Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Little River rises on the Appalachian Plateau of northeast Alabama and carves a scenic canyon through the Plateau as it flows southwestward toward Weiss Lake.  Most of its winding course has been protected within a National Preserve since 1992.

The Little River Canyon Center, east of Fort Payne on Route 35, is managed by Jacksonville State University and the National Park Service; maps and other information on the Preserve's geology, flora and fauna can be found there.  It is also the starting point of an 11-mile scenic drive that winds along the north rim of the canyon, offering pull-offs and viewpoints (photo).

Our side trip to this beautiful river and its canyon was all too brief but we had to get back on the Interstate. A rendezvous with the Subtropics beckoned.

 

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Heading south for the Holidays, we took a detour to a couple of parks on the Appalachian Plateau.  The first of these was Cloudland Canyon State Park, established in 1938, in the northwest corner of Georgia.

Renowned for its scenic, Y-shaped gorge (photo), carved from the Plateau by Daniel and Bear Creeks, it is accessed by an extensive network of trails that run along the rim of the canyons, across the valley floor and throughout backcountry areas atop the plateau.  Waterfalls occur along the creeks and also plunge from the steep canyon walls.

Due to our limited time at the Park, we settled on a pleasant hike along the canyon rim but more adventurous visitors will find many more miles of trails to explore within this 3538 acre refuge.  Information, maps and supplies are available at the Visitor Center, near the main entrance off Route 136.

Mass Hysteria in New Jersey

"Drone" sightings have increased dramatically over New Jersey and neighboring States in the last few weeks.  The public and local government officials are alarmed and demand that the U.S. Government and/or military get involved.  Recognizing an opportunity when he sees it, President-Elect Trump has chimed in, latching onto concerns about foreign or criminal elements behind these soaring night-lights.

Aviation officials report that the great majority of the sightings can be attributed to manned aircraft; there are, after all, numerous large airports in that region of the country.  No doubt, many of the craft are drones but the latter have become increasing common in America, used by companies and public enthusiasts alike.

Once the "drone scare" was publicized, the number of citizen observers surely multiplied exponentially, augmenting reports and fomenting the hysteria.  To date, none of the mysterious objects have attacked vital utilities or military bases and the Defense Department has offered assurances that the public is not in danger.  Nevertheless, skywatchers continue to increase, reports grow in concert, news organizations repeatedly cover the story, more drone pilots are encouraged to participate and mass hysteria persists.  Of course, I may be wrong and these could be Martian spacecraft.

Christmas Bird Count

This morning, I took part in the annual Christmas Bird Count, conducted by the Audubon Society.  Our group of four was assigned to an area in the region just south of Columbia.  We were challenged by fog and mist early in the morning but the sun soon broke through and we were granted a good morning for birding.

A barred owl, staring at us from a roadside tree, proved to be the highlight of the count, though we also saw three bald eagles, a dozen or more red-tailed hawks, several red-shouldered hawks and a couple of pileated woodpeckers.  Blue jays were, by far, the most abundant species encountered as we crossed farmlands, parcels of forest and multiple stream valleys.

It was, as usual, an enjoyable experience and I am always pleased to take part in this annual count, knowing that it serves to monitor the health of bird populations.  Though I avoid crowds when it comes to excursions in nature, a quartet of birders is just about right for the purposes of this event.

 

December Rain

As the dome of frigid air moves off to the northeast, a warm front is pushing in from the southwest.  Ahead of that front, Gulf of Mexico moisture is streaming northward, producing a broad band of rain from East Texas to the Upper Mississippi Valley.

Here in Missouri, the rain developed overnight and will persist for most of the day; north of us, across much of Iowa, freezing rain is coating the roads, buildings and landscapes with ice.  By tomorrow, as the front tracks northeastward, warmer air and sunshine will bring a mild respite from the recent Arctic conditions.

While frozen soil might limit the benefits of this December rain, it will certainly recharge the streams which have been sluggish for most of the year.  It will take steady spring and summer rains to put a significant dent in our prolonged regional drought.

Condoning Violence

In the wake of the murder of a United Healthcare executive in New York, a wave of disturbing support for the gunman has appeared online and in public.  Violent acts to remedy perceived injustice seems to have gained acceptance in a large segment of our society.

One might easily blame the MAGA movement for this trend, following Trump's rhetoric against his political enemies, but it appears to go well beyond that group; indeed, the far left has jumped on this opportunity to highlight the profit-driven mindset of corporate America.  The issue of gun control has hardly been mentioned, including the killer's ability to use 3D printing to create his own weapon.

No doubt, corporate greed and social injustice remain widespread in America, but condoning violence and cheering for the murderer cannot and should not be part of the solution.  Unfortunately, our Government is too dysfunctional to address either problem; social pressure on corporations is, for now, the only sensible approach.  Law and order must prevail at all levels of our society. 

Flashback Post LXI

The current explosive wildfire in Malibu Canyon, like most wildfires in Southern California, was triggered by an ignition source, extremely dry foliage and Santa Ana Winds.  The latter were discussed in a post back in November of 2007.

See: Santa Ana Winds 

A Lone Scaup

During this season of discontent for waterfowl watchers in central Missouri, I decided to visit Perry Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia.  There my effort was rewarded by the presence of a single male lesser scaup.

A common migrant through our region, this diving duck is generally found in small groups or sizable flocks during the autumn migration; a fair number may winter in mid-Missouri if open water is found.  Lesser scaup feed on both aquatic invertebrates and submerged plants.

Though I was, once again, disappointed by my waterfowl observations, I did see a large number of white-crowned sparrows and a limited mix of other winter songbirds.  I would be remiss not to express my appreciation to the lone scaup; somehow, one duck is far better than none, especially this year.

A Journey through Cold Sunshine

Heading back to my home town (Cincinnati) for a brief visit, I crossed the farmlands of Missouri and southern Illinois, the forested Shawnee Hills of southern Indiana and the Ohio River hills of northern Kentucky.  Major river crossings included the Missouri, the Mississippi, the Wabash and the Ohio.  Bright sunshine and cold, clear air augmented the scenery but wildlife observations were rather modest.

As one might expect, flocks of pigeons, starlings, crows and red-winged blackbirds were observed on the farmlands; other sightings included turkey vultures circling above the rural landscapes, the Mesozoic forms of great blue herons flapping across the Interstate and dozens of red-tailed hawks perched along the highway.  The highlight turned out to be a rough-legged hawk in southern Illinois.

Alas, no migrant geese were encountered.  Perhaps my return trip will be more productive. 

Clipper Dynamics

Alberta Clippers are low pressure systems that originate in the Canadian Province of Alberta and rapidly drop southeastward across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region and Northeastern U.S.  Due to their rapid movement, they are generally not associated with significant amounts of snow except for lake-effect squalls along the Great Lakes, high elevation snow down the spine of the Appalachians and coastal snow once the counter-clockwise winds of the storm pull in Atlantic moisture; these onshore winds may also lash the shoreline with powerful waves.

South and west of the low pressure center, strong north winds drag frigid, Arctic air southward.  Last night, these backside winds shook the treetops and rattled windows here in central Missouri.  By this morning, despite bright sunshine and calm conditions, the outside temperature was 15 degrees F.

Since these Clippers depart as rapidly as they arrive, warmer air soon moves in from the west.  We expect afternoon highs near 60 degrees F this weekend.  

A Mild Interlude in Missouri

Following a period of frigid air and snow, it was sunny and mild in Columbia today, coaxing a friend and I down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.  There we were greeted by muddy roads, frozen shallows and a modest increase in the migrant duck population.

Mallards dominated the waterfowl, joined by smaller numbers of American coot, gadwall, American wigeon, ring-necked ducks, green-winged teal and hooded mergansers.  Seven Wilson's snipe foraged across a mudflat while a northern harrier and a red-tailed hawk patrolled the refuge.  Once again, red-winged blackbirds provided the most impressive spectacle; having gathered in their massive winter flocks, we estimated that 4000 were observed today.

I'm not sure I have ever made it into December without encountering my first flock of migrant geese (at least not since moving to central Missouri in 1997) but they continue to evade me.  Perhaps they'll all come south at once when (and if) the northern wetlands freeze over. 

An Unwise Pardon

Yesterday, following repeated denials regarding his intent, President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter.  While he is clearly concerned that Trump's Justice Department might overreach in their handling of the case, this is an unfortunate decision as Trump aims to pardon the January 6 seditionists, among other co-conspirators.  Of course, his election erased Trump's own potential convictions.

One suspects that Hunter Biden's guilty plea was made in anticipation of this pardon and this scenario only serves to support Trump's claim that the Justice Department has been politicized.  As we face a significant threat to our Democracy, Biden's decision foments the argument that our current system of justice is broken.  If Hunter Biden's crimes were as insignificant as many of his defenders claim, the sentencing would have surely reflected that fact.

Unless Trump's incompetent and dangerous Cabinet selections are blocked by the Senate, we can expect the authoritarian leadership that most Americans feared.  Biden's pardon, while understandable on a personal level, only fuels that potential outcome.  In the interest of justice, Presidential pardons should be abolished.  

Supporting Denial & Risk

Last evening, a story on 60 Minutes (CBS) highlighted life on Smith Island in Chesapeake Bay.  The livelihood and property of the Island's residents are threatened by rising sea levels; the latter, of course, is a consequence of global warming.

The report indicated that Maryland has offered to buy the properties and have them demolished, allowing residents to move to higher ground on the mainland; apparently, there were no takers.  As a result, the State and Federal Government have initiated costly and, in the long run, futile efforts to mitigate the flooding.

Proud of their heritage, long-time residents of Smith Island certainly have the right to hold out as long as possible.  More questionable is the State's willingness to permit new construction by adventurous residents arriving from the mainland.  Island and coastal communities across the globe are threatened by climate change; do we admire their tenacity and support their high risk choices or do we limit public funding to resettlement assistance?  Denial, in the name of tradition, is not a helpful approach. 

The Hardy Plover

Walking at Forum Nature Area, in Columbia, on this cold, windy morning, my wife and I came across five killdeer, foraging on an icy lake bed.  A few shallow pools that still dot the floodplain were their primary hunting zones, likely offering a mix of aquatic invertebrates and larvae for their breakfast.

Unlike other plovers that depart for southern latitudes to spend the winter months, killdeer are content to remain across the southern half of the U.S. and northward along the coastal plains.  Those that summered in these areas are joined by killdeer that bred across Canada and the northern U.S.

In all seasons, killdeer prefer open country, from beaches to fields, pastures and grasslands.  Invertebrates and their larvae comprise the great majority of their diet, though seeds and small fish are also consumed.  Oblivious of the winds that rake their hunting grounds, they look out of place in wintry landscapes.

Flashback Post LX

Over the 18 years of writing this Blog, I have written many posts for Thanksgiving.  Perhaps the most succinct yet meaningful of all was published on Thanksgiving Day of 2009.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!

See: Thanks to Nature 

Too Pleasant for Ducks

Birders tend to associate waterfowl migration with the cool, rainy weather of March or the cold, blustery days of November.  On this warm, sunny afternoon, the conditions seemed to be too pleasant for ducks.

Indeed, back at Eagle Bluffs for a third week, a friend and I saw only a few dozen mallards, a dozen northern shovelers, a half-dozen coot and two pied-billed grebes; to be completely honest, we did see about 60 ducks on a secluded lake that were too distant to identify.  An adult bald eagle and three red-tailed hawks were our concession sightings. 

It has surely been an unusual fall migration in the Missouri River Valley.  Early on, the floodplain was kept too dry to attract waterfowl and now, as marsh-lined channels, shallow lakes and flooded fields cover the refuge, migrants have been slow to arrive; one must conclude that the weather up north has been too mild to send them south or that they have simply used other migration rest stops. Could we be witnessing the effects of climate change or just a confluence of factors (natural and man-induced)?  

Texas promotes Christianity

While their State Government has abused immigrants and ignored the rights of pregnant women, Texans are now being encouraged to follow the teachings of Jesus.  Bible study (encompassing both the Old and New Testaments) will be an "option" for public schools; special funding will be made available to those schools who accept the opportunity.  Of course, one suspects participation will become mandatory down the line.

As with Trump's personal Bible sales, this policy dismisses the separation of Church and State that has been an essential component of our Constitution.  More than promoting religious freedom for Christians, it discriminates against members of other religions and imposes faith on those children raised in non-religious families.

The Christian majority of Texas should not subject others to their cherished beliefs.  Christianity, like all religions, has exhibited a dark side throughout its history; I doubt those elements will be taught to young, impressionable minds.  Freedom from religion is just as important as freedom of religion and should be respected at all levels of government.

Flashback Post LIX

Acorns, whole or crushed, cover our Columbia driveway and many of the streets in our neighborhood, bringing to mind a post from November of 2009.

See: A Mast Bonanza

Bomb Cyclone strikes Pacific Northwest

A "bomb cyclone," the meteorologic term for a rapidly intensifying low pressure system, is off the coast of British Columbia this morning, directing its counterclockwise winds across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.  Pulling in an "atmospheric river" of moisture from the Pacific, the storm is expected to stay offshore for the next few days, producing strong winds, flooding rains and deep mountain snow across the region.

Much like a tropical storm, its damage will relate to both its strength and its duration and, at this point, the jet stream will keep it in place.  While dousing wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest, the storm will surely unleash river flooding, landslides, avalanches and widespread power outages.

Global warming is not just a threat to southern latitudes.  The warmer seas and energized atmosphere will fuel destructive storms in northern regions as well.  This bomb cyclone is just the latest evidence of that fact. 

Human Relationships

We humans are social creatures and even though some of us cherish (if not require) periods of solitude, our lives are defined by a long series of relationships.  Indeed, an inability to form and sustain relationships, usually due to psychological or psychiatric problems, leads to social dysfunction and, in extreme cases, severe depression and suicide.

Of course, there is a hierarchy of relationships in our lives, reflected by the degree of influence that they have.  Partners, family members, close friends and past lovers are certainly high on that list but mentors, teachers, colleagues and even casual relationships impact our lives.  It is no surprise that novels, movies, plays and stories that focus on human relationships tend to be most acclaimed.

There are some individuals who choose the hermit's life, swearing off the importance of others.  But they likely fall into the group mentioned above, having endured an abusive childhood or an especially painful loss.  For the rest of us, relationships are vital to our welfare, even those that may not end in storybook fashion. 

A Modest Pickup at Eagle Bluffs

On our weekly visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, limited by a two-hour birding window and restricted access within the refuge, a friend and I noted a pickup in the autumn waterfowl migration yesterday afternoon.  We encountered about 120 individuals, dominated by mallards, coot, green-winged teal and pied-billed grebes.

No migrant geese, pelicans or cormorants were observed, though we did see an immature bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk and three northern harriers.  Red-winged blackbirds offered the only true spectacle as large flocks moved among the trees.

The sluggish autumn waterfowl migration may accelerate in the coming week as cold, north winds develop on the backside of the Pacific storm that is crossing the Heartland.  Migrants often take advantage of a strong tailwind and the temperature drop up north may be an incentive to head south. 

Widespread Drought Relief

The latest Pacific storm system, currently centered over North Texas, will track northeastward this week, bringing welcome relief to many drought-plagued areas.  Today, its trailing cold front is expected to ignite strong thunderstorms (with possible tornados and flooding rains) across the Southern Plains.

By tomorrow, the rains will fall primarily across the Midwest while the Great Lakes and Upper Ohio Valley can expect significant precipitation by mid week.  Finally, before moving out to sea, the front is forecast to bring much needed rain to New England, where wildfires continue to develop.

As the lower section of this storm front moves eastward along the Gulf Coast, it is expected to sweep copious moisture from Tropical Storm Sara across that region and the Florida Peninsula.  Meanwhile, much cooler air will drop south behind the storm as the next Pacific system brings rain and snow to the Northwest. 

Conservation in the Trump Era

Facing four years of "leadership" by Donald Trump and his cronies, we know that conservation will be ignored.  After all, Trump's knowledge of nature is limited to the layout of his golf courses.  What will happen to the Environmental Protection Agency is anyone's guess but we certainly can't expect adequate funding.

The extension of drilling permits (despite a current glut of fossil fuel) and a significant cutback on agricultural and industrial regulations are almost certain to occur.  Further impacts on natural ecosystems can be expected and efforts to reign in climate change will likely be ignored by an Administration that largely denies the existence of global warming.

Those of us who care about the environment must double down on our efforts by supporting Conservation organizations and by voting with our wallets when dealing with private companies.  Volunteer work is always an option and our participation in public demonstrations may sway politicians who will need our midterm votes.  Four years of hope is not an option. 

Self-Criticism in Defeat

Having returned the Presidency to a despicable human being, Democrats are throwing out reasons for their defeat.  Some are reasonable, such as their foreshortened campaign and an over-reliance on celebrity endorsements.  But there is, in my opinion, too much talk about excessive attention on and support for "woke" issues.

Are they suggesting that human rights are a distraction?  Should we ignore the white supremacy movement, attacks on gay bars, widespread antisemitism, violence against Asians and the ridicule directed at transexuals?  Need we support efforts to eliminate the teaching of black history in public schools?  Should libraries be policed by god-fearing Christians?  Though Democrats reached consensus on a border policy with Republican Senators, did we not go far enough to keep "vermin" out of the country?  Should we have signed on to Trump's deportation agenda?  Must we "move beyond" our focus on reproductive rights and the mitigation of climate change?  Is access to quality healthcare not a human right?  Should we give up hope for a reasonable approach to gun control?  Need we ignore genocide wherever it occurs across the globe?

Though I am an Independent who leans toward fiscal conservatism, the Democratic Party must remain the champion of human rights, environmentalism and personal freedom.  Vigilance and court challenges will be imperative over the next four years.  It is not the time to back away from our longstanding commitment to social justice. 

A Fellow Diner

Late yesterday afternoon, as we sat down for dinner on our back deck, I noticed a red-shouldered hawk in a magnolia tree, less than twenty feet away.  He had begun dining before we did, a long, young snake dangling from his beak.

He was either unfazed by our presence or too engaged in his own meal to take notice.  His prey continued to wriggle about for a few minutes before the raptor sucked it down like a strand of pasta.  Once the meal settled in his stomach, the hawk flew down to our back fence, searching the ground for his next course.

Red-shouldered hawks are known to favor riparian woodlands, where they hunt from a perch for small mammals, songbirds, frogs, lizards and snakes.  While our local buteo is always welcome to join us for dinner, we must insist that he bring his own meal. 

The Leaf Cowboys

We know them well.  We recognize their pickups.  They were in the neighborhood all spring and summer, ensuring that their customers' lawns grew no more than an inch before they were trimmed.

Now they are back, pulling vacuum-equipped trailers and armed with powerful leaf blowers.  The incessant noise of their activity will echo through the neighborhood for the next month or more as they corral every leaf that dares to fall on the green carpets.

For those who employ these leaf cowboys, owning a rake or building a compost bin is unnecessary.  And any natural fertilization that is lost through their work will be spread by these same crews next spring.  Just sit back and relax; you may want to have your headphones available when outside.

More Water, Few Ducks

A friend and I took advantage of the "birding window" at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this afternoon.  During our limited tour, we were pleased to find that most of the refuge has been re-flooded but were dismayed by the small number and variety of waterfowl.

Indeed, during our one-hour visit, we saw only 30 mallards, a couple of dozen American coot, a handful of ruddy ducks, five pied-billed grebes and a few green-winged teal.  Other sightings included an immature bald eagle, a Cooper's hawk and a lone great blue heron.

I suspect the weather has been too warm up north to encourage waterfowl to migrate southward; even American white pelicans and double-crested cormorants seem to be resisting the urge to travel.  We plan to check the refuge weekly and I will report on our observations. 

East of Grand Island

Continuing my detour through Nebraska, I left Grand Island and headed east on Interstate 80 this morning.  Since the Platte River is well north of the highway east of that city, the landscape took on the characteristics that one associates with the Great Plains.

Broad views of relatively flat terrain, quilted with crop fields and grasslands, extended north and south of the highway; trees were primarily limited to homesteads, small towns and creek beds.  As I approached Lincoln, the topography became more hilly, trees were more abundant and the streams were larger and more numerous; of course, this change reflected the fact that I was entering the western edge of the American Midwest, where annual precipitation is greater than it is on the Great Plains.

Finally, I crossed the lower Platte River thirty miles west of Omaha.  Much larger than its braided, western section, the Platte would soon empty into the Missouri; both rivers originate from tributaries that rise in the snowfields on the Eastern Slope of the Continental Divide.   

Detour through Nebraska

A snowstorm was raging for a second day along the Colorado Front Range as I prepared to return to Missouri this morning; in fact, Interstate 70 was closed east of Denver.  Checking the radar, I decided to head northeast on I-76 and left the snow behind within 20 miles of departing the Metro Area.

Once in Nebraska, I drove east on Interstate 80 where, in North Platte, the North and South Platte Rivers merge to form the Platte River.  The highway parallels this river, crossing its braided channels and numerous irrigation canals.  Many small lakes, ponds and wetlands are also spaced along the Platte River Valley.

Wildlife sightings on my northern detour included prairie falcons in northeast Colorado and many flocks of migrant gulls and ducks in the Platte River Valley; red-tailed hawks and a couple of bald eagles were also observed in trees near the river.  Though I hoped to encounter tardy flocks of sandhill cranes, which stage on the Platte (especially in early spring), none were seen from the highway.  After a night in Grand Island, I'll continue my journey to Missouri in the morning. 

A Sad Day in America

Unbelievably, the majority of Americans (at least the majority of those who cared to vote) have re-elected a supreme narcissist and would-be dictator, who should have been charged with sedition four years ago.  One wonders whether this vast populace truly feels aggrieved by American Democracy or are merely demonstrating their greed, racism and misogyny.

Facing four more years of Trumpism, one doubts that he will do anything to re-unite the country, let alone strengthen our alliances across the globe.  Freed from Federal charges that may have put him in prison, he will seek revenge on those who launched the investigations and led the prosecutions.  His staff and Cabinet appointees are bound to be chosen primarily based on their loyalty to Our Dear Leader.

Unable to rely on the Federal Government, we must now direct our support toward organizations that defend human rights and protect the environment while preparing for relentless attacks on truth and on our Democracy.

A Late Dusting of Snow

Light rain overnight turned to even lighter snow this morning, leaving a white dusting on our Littleton farm.  While we will take any precipitation that we can get, this atmospheric gift will not begin to dent our ongoing drought.  Worse yet, this meager amount of snow is about two weeks late compared to the average first snowfall in Metro Denver.

Fortunately, a significant snowstorm is forecast to arrive by mid week, with optimistic expectations of a half-foot or more of accumulation.  That storm, now developing in the Pacific Northwest, will hopefully set us on the pattern of alternating snow and sunshine that tends to characterize the Front Range winter and spring.  Of course, the mountain snowpack is especially important and the projected storm should significantly boost that vital resource, which is off to a sluggish start this year.

In this semi-arid environment, snowstorms, isolated thunderstorms and monsoon rains are the primary sources of precipitation.  Climate change may increase or decrease the total amount we receive; alternatively, it may alter its pattern and/or composition (i.e. rain vs. snow).  However and whenever the moisture arrives, water conservation remains critical to the welfare of this region. 

Siberian Elms

Native to Russia and northern China, Siberian elms have been widely introduced across the globe; unfortunately, they are now classified as an invasive species in most areas.  Since it is a hardy tree that favors a cool, dry climate with abundant sunshine, this elm is common along the Front Range.

We have six large Siberian elms and numerous offspring on our Littleton farm; the latter often grow in bushy clusters.  Since seed production is abundant and since these trees also spread by suckering, they are truly "weed trees" that must be pruned to prevent them from crowding out other vegetation.  On the other hand, many songbirds, especially finches and siskins, feast on their buds and seeds each spring.

Fast growing, Siberian elms often develop dead zones and thus drop a significant amount of woody debris in the course of a year; they also leaf out in early spring and hold their leaves well into autumn, making them especially prone to snow damage.  Fortunately, our large elms are not near the house and their fallen branches just become additions to our numerous log and brush piles.   

Autumn Windfall

When I returned to our Littleton farm, two weeks ago, I was greeted by colorful shrubs and trees; of course, here along the Front Range, those colors are primarily various shades of yellow and orange.  Since then, winds associated with two storm systems have brought down most of those leaves and they now cover our driveway, "lawns" and pastures.

I could get our the rake or (God forbid) buy a noisy leaf blower, but, over the next month or so, nature will provide the cleanup service.  Unless the leaves are temporarily held in place by a heavy snowfall, they will swirl about in the changing wind, scattering across the dry landscape until they come to rest beneath our shrub and tree lines.  There they will slowly decompose for the next six months, feeding a wide variety of invertebrates and nourishing the foliage.

If we are patient and accept her untidy style, Nature provides both the cleanup and the fertilization that her landscapes depend on.  We, in turn, are rewarded with their beauty and with the time to explore them.  

Scary Times

Never mind the pirates, goblins and witches that will appear on our porches this evening.  Far scarier is the fact that nearly half of Americans support a horrible and dangerous human being for our President.

Some do so to protect their own substantial wealth.  Many support him due to their inherent racism, misogynistic tendencies, religious zealotry or susceptibility to lies and conspiracy theories.  Others simply accept his unAmerican rhetoric or enjoy the chaos that he incites.

Enhanced by a relentless barrage of polls, texts and political punditry, this fear of a Trump victory is difficult to shake.  The cure: Tune out and vote Democratic.   

A Vanguard of Ring-Necks

After a slow start to the autumn waterfowl migration, a large flock of ring-necked ducks appeared in the South Platte Valley this morning.  Whether they are just stopping by or will spend the winter here will depend on the weather in the coming weeks and months.

Other waterfowl sightings included mallards, American wigeon, gadwall, green-winged teal, hooded mergansers, buffleheads, a lone common goldeneye and, of course, Canada geese.  A steady north wind kept songbirds in the thickets and few were encountered on my walk.

That wind was courtesy of a Pacific cold front that may bring the first snow of the season overnight or tomorrow.  Perhaps it will also bring down more ducks! 

Flashback Post LVIII

As we approach Halloween, pumpkins adorn homes, shops and garden centers across the country.  It seems like a good time to republish a post from 2007, released less than a year after this Blog was created. 

See: Pumpkins

The Last Autumn Warbler

Yellow-rumped warblers breed across Alaska and Canada and southward through the Western Mountains, Great Lakes and New England.  Late autumn migrants (relative to their many cousins), these hardy warblers winter throughout most of the Eastern U.S. as well as California.

Here in Colorado, they begin to drift down from the mountains in September and may be seen along the Front Range urban corridor through October.  Since they feed on berries as well as insects, they are in no hurry to move southward.  Indeed, while most of our other warblers winter in the Tropics, the majority of Colorado yellow-rumps likely winter in Texas or Mexico.

Early this evening, I watched a pair of these warblers flycatching from bare, sunlit branches in the canopy of our large honeylocust.  Perhaps they'll hang out for a few days before moving on. 

Wind Dancers

Yesterday afternoon, as a strong, southeast wind raked Metro Denver, I caught sight of two double-crested cormorants, circling high above our farm.  Powerful fliers, usually seen making beelines across bays or lakes, they do often soar during the warmer months.

This pair, not content to merely soar, engaged in brief dives as they danced in the clear blue sky, a behavior I had not seen before in that species.  As they moved on, a pair of red-tailed hawks took the stage, seemingly prepared to outshine the cormorants.  Of course, their agility was far superior and some of their dives were breathtaking.

Were this a competition, the medals would go to the hawks.  But, at least for this judge, the cormorants earned points for originality.  Note to fellow birders: don't forget to look up; you just might miss the show.

An Extensive Drought

As of this week, almost all areas west of the Appalachians, in addition to coastal areas of the Northeast, are experiencing some degree of drought.  While flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has deservedly received a great deal of attention, the widespread drought is potentially even more devastating.

Many areas of the U.S. have received only a negligible amount of rain throughout October and above normal temperatures are forecast for the coming week.  Mountain snowpack is off to a slow start in the West and river levels are falling across the Heartland.  The risk of wildfire has increased significantly in most regions of the country.

Warm, sunny weather is appealing to most humans and we tend to focus more on storms than on drought.  In that regard, another tropical storm appears to be brewing in the Caribbean.  One hopes it might move northward and spread welcome rain across the Plains and the Midwest but it would have to cross the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico en route, likely spawning another destructive hurricane.  Slow-moving, Pacific cold fronts would offer a better and less damaging remedy for the drought but our changing climate seems to yield extremes at every turn.

Those First Juncos

Dark-eyed juncos don't garner much attention from non-birders.  They are just among those small songbirds that feed along roadways or beneath the shrubbery.

Common winter residents in most regions of the U.S., juncos are not prized inclusions on birding lists during those colder months.  But their first appearance in autumn is always a treat, at least for this aging birder.

Having just arrived at our Littleton, Colorado, farm, I encountered the first small flock of the season, comprised of two subspecies (Oregon and slate-gray); the regional gray-headed juncos, which descend from the nearby mountains and foothills for the winter, should arrive any day now.  By mid November, we'll have dozens of juncos on the farm and their presence will be taken for granted; then, come mid-April, when they head for cooler landscapes, they'll be missed once again.  If only they knew. 

Climate Change and Deveaux Bank

In the Autumn, 2024, issue of Living Bird from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, an article describes both the importance of and threat to Deveaux Bank, an offshore island at the mouth of the Edisto River, near Charleston, South Carolina.  Long known as an important breeding site for brown pelicans, black skimmers and other marine birds, it gained special notoriety in 2017 when it was documented to be a rest stop for 20,0000 whimbrels, migrating between the Arctic and South America.

As is reported in the article, Deveaux Bank was significantly eroded by Hurricane Idalia and another powerful storm last year, though some acreage has since been added back by river sediment.  Knowing its importance as both a marine bird nesting site and as a rest stop for half of the whimbrels in Eastern North America (in addition to other shorebird migrants), the island was closed to human use for seven months (March 15-October 15).

This saga highlights the fact that humans are not the only species affected by climate change (though we were the only species to cause it).  Then again, many, if not most species are more adaptable than we are; nevertheless, we must intervene on their behalf whenever possible. 

First Creeper

Sitting on our back deck on this mild, sunny afternoon in central Missouri, I observed my first brown creeper of the season.  Among our most aptly named birds, its unique silhouette caught my attention as it circled up the trunk of a large maple tree, searching for insects or their eggs.

Having summered and bred in Canada and southward through the mountain corridors, brown creepers generally turn up in October as they migrate south or stop here for the winter.  Whatever the circumstance, they are generally found alone though they may appear in the company of chickadees, titmice and nuthatches.

Arriving with the cool autumn weather, they are always a welcome visitor.  Unobtrusive and easily overlooked, their insect control service is also under appreciated. 

Vote for Future Generations

The upcoming U.S. Elections are critical for so many reasons.  Among the most important is the need to mitigate climate change.

Recent severe weather events across the globe attest to the dangers of global warming.  While most of us have been complicit in the factors that triggered this catastrophe, we must commit ourselves to minimizing its advance by voting for advocates of policies that address climate change.

We owe it to future generations to commit ourselves to this effort.  Vote Democratic at every level.  It is the least we can do.  

Western Snow

As the current atmospheric trough drifts eastward, warmer air will stream up from the south, "normalizing" conditions for mid October.  Meanwhile, out west, another trough will dip through the Mountain States, bringing the first significant snowfall to higher elevations.  Indeed, the San Juan Mountains, in southwest Colorado, may receive over two feet of snow.

While such early season snowstorms do not necessarily portend a heavy winter snowpack, they will help to suppress the ongoing wildfires.  We can only hope that the western snow season is long and prolific.

No doubt, these deep gyrations of the jet stream are a secondary effect of our warming climate.  Extreme cold and abundant snow will be just as common as excessive heat and torrential rain as the jet is energized.  Dramatic swings in our weather and more powerful storm systems will surely become the norm. 

A Gift from the North

A deep and broad atmospheric trough (produced by a dip in the jet stream) is allowing cool, Canadian air to flow southward.  Extending from the Rockies to the East Coast, this trough will bring the first convincing period of autumn for many Americans, especially for those in the Southeast.

Here in central Missouri, we expect our first freeze of the season by midweek and will experience temperatures below average for mid October.  Bringing clear skies and relief from the heat, humidity and recurrent storms, it is a welcome development indeed.

In no hurry to leave, the trough is bringing back the October of old and may just nudge migrant waterfowl southward.  Time to hit the trails to enjoy the colorful foliage, fresh air and energized wildlife! 

Vote for Kindness & Empathy

Forget for a moment the substantial policy differences between Vice President Harris and citizen Donald Trump.  Ignore, if you can, the wide gulf between the candidates on human rights, environmental protection, gun control, foreign policy, immigration, social justice and economic fairness.  Judge them purely on the basis of their character.

How do they compare when it comes to decency, kindness and empathy?  Do we not want a President with those qualities?  Do we want to be represented by someone who demonstrates no interest in or concern for his fellow human beings?  Do we want a President incapable of empathy?

I think the choice is clear at the Presidential level on down.  Vote Democratic!  

A Dry Refuge for Waterfowl

Arriving at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, in the Missouri River Valley, on this warm, sunny morning, I noticed that the annual signs are up, advising visitors that the southern half of the refuge will be closed from October 15 to March 1 to provide undisturbed wintering habitat for waterfowl.  At the same time, I found that this floodplain refuge is drier than I have ever seen it; I suspect the migrating geese and ducks will take note as well.

I did observe 6 northern shovelers and 6 pied-billed grebes on my 7-mile tour, hardly the throngs that one might expect in mid October.  Indeed, turkey vultures and red-winged blackbirds dominated the scene, not exactly members of the waterfowl clan; a lone, immature bald eagle was feeding on carrion in a dry crop field and a sharp-shinned hawk strafed the floodplain, likely hoping to pick off a blackbird.

Per reports that I have received, the dry landscape is intentional, necessary for the health of native wetland plants.  No doubt that is true but the waterfowl will, for now, go elsewhere.  Maybe next year. 

Finally: A Spectacular Aurora

After years of seeking the Aurora borealis across northern latitudes and a less than impressive viewing in Colorado last May, my wife and I enjoyed a spectacular display in central Missouri last evening.  Having learned that the Aurora would be especially active for the next few days, we headed up to the flat Glaciated Plain of the Midwest, about 25 miles northeast of Columbia, to escape the city lights.

Finding a secluded spot in the open cropland, we parked along a graveled road.  The sky was clear though the half-moon produced a mild haze.  About an hour after sunset, a dome of faint light, resembling a bank of clouds, stretched across the northern horizon and we began to dread a repeat of our Colorado experience.  Then, after another half-hour of anticipation, curtains of green and broad plumes of red appeared in the sky (photo by Darcy Folzenlogen).

We enjoyed the spectacle for another hour before heading home.  Our long pursuit of the Northern Lights had finally been successful, not in the wilds of the Great North but in the Heartland of America where we have spent most of our lives. 

Milton and the Front

Before Hurricane Milton made landfall, at Siesta Key, Florida, its outer bands had produced almost forty supercell tornados across southern portions of the State.  Indeed, damage from those storms might exceed that produced by the hurricane core itself.

As Milton reached the Gulf Coast, it was interacting with a front that dipped across Northern Florida, producing torrential rain on the north side of the hurricane (including the Tampa-St. Petersburg area).  The most intense winds of the eye-wall remained south of that Metro Area and the strongest storm surge hit the coastline south of Sarasota.

News of damage on Longboat Key may take a while to emerge but our primary risk may have come from surge off Sarasota Bay as well as the high winds of the eye-wall.  Overnight,  Hurricane Milton has moved northeastward along the front and across the Florida peninsula, unleashing heavy rain and destructive winds before heading into the Atlantic. 

In Milton's Path

We purchased our condo on Longboat Key, Florida, over 20 years ago; even then, the building was almost 40 years old.  When we made that leap, we understood that owning property on a barrier island carries a significant risk.  This week, it appears that risk has become a reality as Hurricane Milton, currently a Category 4 storm, barrels toward that narrow strip of sand.

A storm surge of 15 feet is currently predicted and our condo complex may end up in Sarasota Bay.  Though global warming was receiving limited attention back in the early 2000s, we now know that building on barrier islands is pure folly; even if the structure might withstand severe storms, access, utilities and nearby amenities may be lost for extended periods of time.  Indeed, there has been a general exodus from low lying coastal areas of Florida as both extreme weather and insurance rates increase dramatically.  Only the very wealthy are still buying property in these high risk zones.

Whatever level of damage is inflicted by Milton, we won't be visiting Longboat Key anytime soon.  Nature may just reclaim the site.

Summer's Last Gasp?

Way back and not so long ago, October was a month of mild, sunny days and clear, cool nights.  That pleasant weather, combined with the colorful foliage, made it the favorite month for many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, especially for those who relish outdoor activity.

Today, thanks to a dome of high pressure, our afternoon high may reach 90 degrees F in central Missouri and highs in the 80s F will dominate the coming week; it feels more like late August than early October.  While we can hope that this is summer's last gasp, our warming climate may push "typical October weather" well into November.

In concert with heat across the Heartland, another tropical disturbance is forming in the western Gulf of Mexico, forecast to spread torrential rains and destructive winds across the Florida Peninsula in the coming week.  Help to mitigate climate change and its severe weather patterns: Vote Democratic! 

Self Image & Memory

The image that we have of ourself is based on our memories, those related to our personal behavior, our relationships, our successes and our failures.  Of course, our self image is also influenced by early childhood experiences (which we cannot recall) and by suppressed memories (too painful to dredge up).

Then again, studies suggest that our memories are malleable, subject to alteration when repeatedly called up and re-stored.  Nevertheless, our self image is governed by this unreliable script of vague events and interactions from our past.

Do we really know ourself?  Perhaps more importantly: do we judge ourself fairly?  

Excursion into the Past

Looking for a new natural area to explore, my wife discovered Carrington Pits Recreation Area in the Mark Twain National Forest, southwest of Fulton, Missouri.  Carrington was a coal mining community that was destroyed by a tornado in the late 1920s.  In honor of that town, Carrington Pits Recreation Area was established by the Forest Service, centered on a chain of lakes and ponds that occupy the old mining pits.

After zigzagging across cattle country on graveled roads, we arrived at a small pullout that was once the entry point for the site.  From there, an overgrown jeep road leads through the forest; a one mile hike along that path brought us to the secluded lakes, where we spooked small flocks of wood ducks as we approached.  Remnants of the Recreation Area, which was initially established in the 1930s, included weathered and splintered fishing decks, several picnic tables and an abandoned toilet hut.  Clearly, the site has not been utilized (at least in any official capacity) for quite some time.

Nevertheless, it was a peaceful excursion into the past, serenaded by forest birds and greeted by swaths of wildflowers.  Though I tend to root for Nature and her power of reclamation, it was sad to see that this tranquil spot, once enjoyed by our fellow humans, has likely been a victim of fiscal prioritization. 

Problems are Relative

We have all experienced problems in our life, most minor and some serious.  At times, they seem to arrive in rapid succession.

Fortunately, even serious problems can usually be addressed by a cadre of professionals or service personnel and management plans are rapidly designed; a game plan always reduces the stress of a problem, no matter how serious it may be.  But when problems arise suddenly and unexpectedly within an environment where assistance is not readily available, they can be overwhelming.

Such is the case in Asheville, North Carolina, where the entire community (homes, businesses, utilities, transportation) were destroyed or incapacitated by flooding.  Help must arrive from beyond its confines and an overall management plan will be slow to emerge.  Even a massive influx of funding and volunteers cannot rapidly reverse the damage wrought by such a powerful storm.  Climate change is a problem that will put all others in perspective.

The Short Life of Lake Powell

Named for John Wesley Powell, a geologist who explored the Green and Colorado Rivers for the U.S. in 1869, Lake Powell filled Glen Canyon after construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in the early 1960s.  Opposed by environmentalists, including Edward Abbey, the Dam was built for water storage, hydroelectric power and recreation.

After reaching a maximum volume in 1983, the reservoir began to shrink in the late 1990s as climate change reduced mountain snowpack and increased evaporation.  In concert, sedimentation from the Colorado and San Juan Rivers was filling its basin from below.  As the lake level continues to fall and the upper feeder streams resurface, energy production will cease and Lake Powell will reach the "dead pool" state. Unfortunately, since adequate deep release tunnels were not included in the dam's design, flow through the Grand Canyon (just downstream) will be greatly diminished.  A current proposal, not yet fully endorsed, is to create new channels through the adjacent bedrock before sediment fills Glen Canyon and its riverine ecosystem is forever degraded.

For a concise and readable history of this saga, I strongly recommend Life after Dead Pool, by Zak Podmore (the source for this post).  He deftly weaves the political, industrial, hydrologic, cultural, geological and ecological elements of the Lake Powell debacle.  My thanks to a good friend for introducing me to this fascinating book.  

Aster Season

Amidst the yellow swaths of sunflowers and and goldenrod are clumps of aster, usually purplish or bluish in color.  Though no longer included in the Aster genus (now limited to Eurasian species), New World asters are represented by more than 100 species in North America.

Not keen on scientific labeling, I, like most nature lovers, appreciate asters for their beauty and for their late summer and early autumn blooms, an important resource for pollinators; the clumps in our yard (photo) have been loaded with a wide variety of bees and butterflies.

Missouri is home to 24 species of New World asters, almost all of which are perennials.  Like other wildflowers, they do just fine without human supervision.  

Beware: Falling Walnuts!

It's that time of year in central Missouri.  Black walnuts are falling to the ground and, this year, they are especially plentiful.  The impact of the walnuts as they strike fences, roofs, decks and driveways produces a significant "thud" and I suspect an unwary human might be bruised (or worse) if struck.

Of course, our gray and fox squirrels have been gnawing at their shells for the past week or so, leaving piles of the outer pulp drying in the sun.  The sound and smell of their activity are welcome signs of the season.

There are still plenty of walnuts in the large trees that line our backyard but we'll leave them for the wildlife.  Kicking them off the lawn or walkways is exercise enough. 

Appalachian Flooding

Following a long period of drought in the Appalachians of northern Georgia, North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, the remnants of Hurricane Helene dropped 12-24 inches of rain on the region, leading to historic and catastrophic flooding.  Of course, the major impact has been along the primary streams and rivers of that mountainous terrain.

This alternating pattern of drought and flood is occurring across the globe as our climate warms.  While coastal damage from wind and storm surge is the immediate concern when hurricanes and typhoons come ashore, inland flooding, often far from that landfall, has become a significant complication.

As the remnants of Helene spin above the Ohio River Valley, another storm appears to be developing in the Caribbean.  Its future path is not yet known but its wrath will likely be felt well beyond the pristine beaches of the Gulf Coast.

 

Helene takes aim on Atlanta

As Hurricane Helene churns northward above the Gulf of Mexico hot tub, residents along the Florida Gulf Coast are taking action, boarding up homes and heading for higher ground.  While devastation along the coast is expected, more individuals will likely be impacted in cities farther inland.

Both Tallahassee and Atlanta are in the "cone of uncertainty" and Helene's forward movement is rapid.  As a result, she will not weaken quickly as she comes ashore with her high winds and abundant tropical moisture.  Both of these cities can expect wind damage and extensive flooding.

Worse yet, Atlanta will receive significant precipitation from a cold front that arrives prior to Helene.  At least ten inches of rain is expected to fall across that concrete jungle over the next few days.  Once again, our warming climate is having an impact on areas far from the shore. 

A Rainy Morning at Eagle Bluffs

Though we associate autumn with sunny skies and dry air, low clouds and rain greeted us at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning.  Facing poor conditions for birding, we toured the floodplain anyway, knowing that most songbirds would be undercover and out of sight.

We did encounter a fair number of blue-winged teal and a small flock of northern shovelers.  Nineteen pied-billed grebes were scattered along the central channel and a pair of American coot mingled with the ducks.  Six great blue herons, always stoic, stood along the soggy shorelines while two loners, an osprey and a belted kingfisher, did their part to reward our visit.

Due to the weather, our total species count was less than half of what we would generally expect in late September.  Nevertheless, a morning at this fabulous refuge is always a delight; if nothing else, the rain made it look like a vast wetland, an image that has been lost to cultivation in recent years. 

Blue Jay Mystery

The Front Range urban corridor stretches along the western edge of blue jay breeding territory in North America.  West of here, in the foothills and mountains, they are replaced scrub jays, Steller's jays and gray jays.

Since we purchased our Littleton farm, in 1990, blue jays have been common visitors on the property though I have never observed nesting activity here; on bird counts of the farm, a couple of blue jays would generally make the list.  During my current visit, however, blue jays have been especially common, their raucous calls and musical trills echoing across the farm; indeed, their numbers have been second only to house finches (which have long been our most abundant avian resident).  Since some blue jays do migrate southward for the winter, our current visitors might reflect that fact (though they have stayed for almost two weeks). 

Like many songbirds, blue jays form flocks during the colder months but their numbers here seem exceptional compared with past years.  My guess is that this influx is an adaptation to suburban sprawl and "development" in Metro Denver, forcing the jays to gather in or near the dwindling areas with large trees: at parks, along greenbelts and near the few old farms that still exist. 

The Dehumanization of Immigrants

Thrashing about for issues that will save his effort to stay out of jail, Donald Trump has settled on the fear of immigrants.  He promises to deport most of them and to shut off immigration from "infested countries."  Of course, he and his running mate have stoked fear and chaos in Springfield, Ohio, claiming that Haitian immigrants are stealing and eating local pets.

Trump and his far-right legions want a white, Christian nation.  Though we are a country of immigrants, they ignore our past and focus on fear-mongering, using isolated events to suggest that "vermin" are pouring across our "open borders."

This dehumanization of immigrants is spawning threats and violence throughout the country and poisoning the fabric of American society.  How anyone could support the re-election of this horrible human being is stupefying; one can only conclude that racism is alive and well in the U.S., once a beacon of freedom across the globe.  Vote Democratic! 

Survivors

History is replete with the stories of individuals who overcame trauma to lead a happy and successful life.  Child abuse, failed relationships, serious injuries and potentially fatal illnesses are among the more common conditions that are cited.

Eager to hear or read about these inspiring individuals, consumers are fed the basic timeline without too much detail.  Indeed, in the interest of privacy, most of the story is never told and future complications are beyond the context of the report.  In fact, recovery from major trauma and severe illness is rarely complete; in the course of that public miracle, private issues persist, often leading to substance abuse, depression and stress-related disorders.  Individuals treated successfully for a major medical condition often deal with the side-effects of therapy, sometimes developing other illnesses that were spawned by the original treatment.

Surviving trauma or illness is an ongoing process, one that generally endures throughout the life of that individual.  Efforts to simplify the story suggest otherwise and often fuel unrealistic expectations.  

Time for G.W. to Speak Up

Former President George Walker Bush, often referred to as G.W. to distinguish him from his father, has declined to endorse a Presidential candidate in this election.  His staff reports that he has left Presidential Politics in the past; has he also renounced his American citizenship?

Some might be pleased that he has declined to endorse Trump but that is the passive way to avoid controversy and potential criticism.  While many past Republican stalwarts have endorsed Kamala Harris, acknowledging that another Trump term would threaten both our Democracy and our global alliances, G.W. has not displayed such courage.

It is time for our past President to rise from his easel and put his substantial influence behind the Harris/Walz ticket.  Ignoring that responsibility, however close the election might be, will further diminish his status in American history. 

Passive Landscaping

Those of us not inclined toward excessive weeding, mulching and trimming find solace in passive landscaping: turning over the job to Nature herself.  Should you decide to take this approach, be mindful that lawn cover must be minimized and the use of herbicides and pesticides are forbidden.

Nature is not a neat tenant and you must get used to a hodgepodge of native plants in your flower beds and wood borders.  Resisting the urge to pull out "weeds" may be your greatest hurdle.  Then again, you will appreciate the free time that passive landscaping affords.

One of the many rewards of this "hands-off" approach is that new plants begin to appear on your property and many of these are quite attractive; the rough white asters in the photo just appeared this month, a welcome addition to the flora on our farm.  Finally, a naturalized yard requires far less water, an especially valuable trait in arid and semiarid ecosystems.

 

Rabbitbrush

Not terribly skilled at landscaping, my primary technique is to bring seed back from natural areas that I visit and spread it across open soil on our farm.  Of course, this approach takes patience.

Several years ago, I threw rabbitbrush seed along our driveway, where pockets of chokecherry and New Mexico locust are interrupted by dry soil.  Voila!  This spring, clumps of the rabbitbrush appeared and are now flowering (photo).

I hoped to establish rabbitbrush on our property due to its autumn display and since it attracts a variety of ground-feeding birds, including white-crowned and Harris' sparrows.  Of course, these bushy clusters will thrive (and likely spread) without my assistance.  No irrigation or fertilizing necessary!

Year of the Pear

When we purchased our Littleton, Colorado, farm, back in 1990, we noted a full-grown pear tree along one of the pastures.  Over the years, it has produced pears that are often sparse and small; even that has been an accomplishment since late spring freezes often wipe out the blossoms.

This year, we have a magnificent crop of large pears, the most successful season to date.  Though I am not especially fond of the fruit, I'll disperse some before the raccoons get more than their fare share.

Native to Europe and Asia, there are more than 3000 cultivars across the globe.  Some European pear trees are said to live 50 years or more and ours must be pushing its limit.  Considering the fact that we do not water our larger trees, that is some feat in this semiarid climate.

Francine tests NOLA's Pumps

As Hurricane Francine comes ashore, early this afternoon, her counterclockwise winds will pull copious amounts of rain in from the Gulf of Mexico.  New Orleans lies in the projected path of that firehose and, unlike other coastal cities of the U.S., it lies below sea level.

Following the disaster produced by Hurricane Katrina, the city invested in a system of water pumps that are designed to handle up to 1 inch of rainfall per hour.  Since Francine is currently "only" a Category 1 Hurricane, it is hoped that extensive flooding can be avoided; unfortunately, the soil of southern Louisiana is already saturated due to recent heavy rains, increasing the risk of flooding.  Fortunately, the pumps are on their own power grid and will not be affected by more widespread power outages.

Nevertheless, landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes have recently over-produced when it comes to flooding.  Warmer air and warmer sea water, the products of climate change, augment the humidity of the onshore flow and, should Francine slow down, the rainfall in NOLA could exceed the capacity of its pump network.  We should know by later in the day.  

The Tourism Dilemma

For wealthy countries across the globe, tourism is an important component of their economy and every effort is made to boost that activity.  For small and "developing" countries, the choice of encouraging tourism is more controversial, as we learned during our visit to the remote Faroe Islands.

While the economic benefits might be welcome, the effects on local communities is often mixed,  Proper tourism infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, transport, trails etc.) must be in place, disrupting the character of small towns and rural communities.  Congestion, noise, habitat damage and pollution are all potential complications.

Anyone who visits scenic natural areas, however remote, soon learns that company can always be expected.  Tourism is big business and too many people on a modest-sized planet ensures plenty of competition.  The quest for solitude is now strictly within the purview of determined individuals. 

Common Green Darners

Yesterday afternoon, a common green darner was zooming about our front yard.  Easily identified by its large size and thick, green thorax, this dragonfly is common throughout most of North America and is known for its seasonal migrations, often in large swarms.  On the other hand, some green darners do not migrate at all, wintering as aquatic larvae in ponds.

Autumn migrations, generally to Florida or Mexico, begin by September and spring migrants usually appear by April, often arriving before non-migrant darners emerge from the water.  Of course, as with monarch butterflies and other migrant insects, those returning from the subtropics are the offspring of those that migrated southward in the fall.

Both the adult darners and their aquatic nymphs play an important role in controlling mosquito populations.  For that and for their aerial displays, we humans are grateful. 

Polls, Fear & Money

Another morning and I open my email to find 10 requests for money to combat the surging MAGA scourge.  Turning on the news, I hear that another "respected poll" demonstrates that the Presidential race is a dead-heat; a discussion by political experts will follow after a few money-making commercials.

While I strongly support Kamala Harris, it is nauseatingly clear that both political parties and all news programs are using poll reports to stoke fear and raise money.  Yet, throughout U.S. history, political polls have been inaccurate on many occasions; remember the "red-wave" projections in 2022?

I refuse to believe that a majority of Americans would place an aging, narcissistic, misogynistic, career criminal back in office; if so, then our Democracy is already doomed.  My advice is to ignore the polls and emails and make sure to vote.  I will not attempt to raise any money through this post but I will cut the subscription rate in half for those who perform their civic duty. 

Waxwing Spectacle

Cedar waxwings, among my favorite songbirds, often gather in large flocks during the fall and winter months, a behavior that facilitates their discovery of food sources.  However, early September is generally a bit too soon to observe such congregations.

Nevertheless, I encountered at least 120 of these attractive wanderers yesterday morning, at Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia.  Despite the steady encroachment of residential and retail development, the waxwings must have found something of interest in the trees along the lakeshore.  As my wife and I hiked along the graveled loop trail, they were observed in every lakeside grove; unlike noisy flocks of robins or blackbirds, the waxwings were politely quiet, save for an occasional soft whistle.

While we were fortunate to observe this waxwing spectacle, the eBird computers questioned my report (not an unusual occurrence).  Rather than argue the point, I'll take the waxwing approach: calm cooperation. 

Flashback Post LVII

Following yet another mass shooting in a school, this time in Georgia, it seems appropriate to republish a post from February of 2018.  Unfortunately, that post speaks to dozens of incidents over the past decade, an American trend that will continue to haunt the minds of parents and their children.

See: Thoughts and Prayers 

Turbulence Overhead

On this mild autumn evening, I went out back to search the sky for migrating nighthawks.  That goal was quickly abandoned as my attention was drawn to waves of cirrus clouds, pummeled by high altitude winds.  Stretched into long tendrils, curled into tight eddies and whipped into merging forms, the icy bands of moisture zipped across the fading blue of early dusk.

While we often admire the brilliant colors of sunrise and sunset or stop to watch a powerful storm drift across the sky, we generally ignore the atmospheric dynamics that unfold overhead.  We may note that it is a clear or cloudy day but, unlike children, tend not to be amused by changing figures in the sky.  Though mesmerized by pounding waves, churning rapids or graceful waterfalls, we miss the drama high above our own backyards.

This evening's show was spectacular.  Unfortunately, the nighthawks failed to appear. 

Gateway to Autumn

September is historically a rather mild month across central latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.  Following a long, hot summer, it has offered a steady transition toward the cool weather of October.

From a birder's point of view, it is also a transition month as early autumn migrants turn up in our woods and wetlands.  Blue-winged teal, common nighthawks, broad-winged hawks, shorebirds and a variety of warblers are among these seasonal travelers.

Today, conditions in Columbia mirrored that expectation.  Sunny skies, mild, crystal-clear air and a gentle, northerly breeze, hinted of the coming season.  For outdoor people, autumn is the best time of year; we can only hope that global warming does not tarnish that reputation. 

Reflections on the Faroes

As we prepare to return to the U.S., it is appropriate to reflect on our visit to the Faroe Islands.  Though we expected a small capital city, loosely connected to coastal fishing villages, we found a vibrant economy with air connections to a number of European cities (including winter flights to the Mediterranean).  Long dependent on ferries for regional transportation, the larger islands are now connected via sub-sea tunnels and travel is very efficient throughout the Faroes.  Cell and Wifi service are widely available, even in some of the smallest towns.

Ignited by whaling in the early 20th Century, the national economy now depends primarily on fishing, salmon farming and sheep ranching, though tourism has increased significantly.  Indeed, nordic cruise lines regularly stop in Torshavn, the capital city, which sits along a natural harbor and offers an excellent variety of amenities; its old town neighborhood, art museum and cultural center were especially appealing.

Fortunately, our tour guide grew up in the Faroes and has an intimate knowledge of the landscape; it seemed she knows most of its inhabitants as well.  Without her expert guidance, our visit would have been far less productive and enjoyable. Our thanks for her enthusiastic introduction to these beautiful islands. 

The Erosive Force of Water

Beyond their stark beauty, the Faroe Islands demonstrate the erosive force of flowing water.  Since rifting from Greenland, 55 million years ago, this volcanic terrane has been molded by glacial ice, torrential rain, pounding waves, strong currents and numerous streams.  Due to their northern latitude, freeze-thaw cycles have also played a significant role in sculpting the islands.

Of course, most of this erosive activity persists today and is readily evident to the visitor.  Landslide scars are observed, frequent rain drenches the highlands, currents alter the course of boat transportation and powerful waves lash the rocky headlands.  Sheep and hares, both introduced by humans, are the only mammals that inhabit the steep, grass-covered slopes and countless waterfalls adorn the ridges.

This is a country of rock and water.  Though man has managed to settle along its coasts and fjords, water will eventually erode these scenic islands into the sea. 

Traditions in the Faroe Islands

Heading out this morning, we encountered a funeral procession on a city street.  We learned that the family walks behind the hearse as the body is moved from the hospital to the church and that it is a national tradition for passersby to stop their vehicle and get out to honor the dead.  It proved to be a moving experience.

Soon thereafter, we learned that August is "fulmar season" in the country.  During this time, boaters go out to scoop up chubby fulmar chicks from the sea surface, using nets at the end of long poles.  The chicks, having dropped from nearby cliffs, are unable to fly for a week or so and are thus easily collected for their tasty flesh.

Nearing the end of the day, we visited a whaling museum where the history of that industry was reviewed and where the rusting equipment was displayed; the Faroe Islands have not been hunting large whales since the early 1980s.  Nevertheless, pilot whales are still hunted and that non-commercial practice was defended as a long-standing tradition in the Faroes.  I suppose the appropriateness of traditions lies in the eye of the beholder. 

Hiking the North Coast

When one hikes in the Faroe Islands, they are generally not following a trail.  Rather, they are walking on uneven, meandering paths of mud, rocks and compressed grass.  Today, on a popular hike above the north shore of "Flute Island," a steep climb was followed by braided routes, leading to the North Coast lighthouse.

While the hike was strenuous and slow-going, rest stops at boulders or crumbling out-buildings (photo) offered a broad view of the North Atlantic.  Clouds of seabirds (Arctic terns, kittiwakes, storm petrels, fulmars and others), circled overhead while sheep grazed on the rocky, windswept grasslands.

The hike offered everything that the Faroe Islands are known for: expansive views, stark beauty, a wealth of seabirds and the clash of rock and sea.  One exception to our expectations were the crowds, drawn to this well-known trail despite the chilly, windy conditions. 

The Faroe Islands

 In Why Should I Cry, one of my favorite songs by Sting, he refers to the "stones of Faroe."  For many years, I thought that his reference was mystical, having something to do with a pharaoh.  Then I learned about the Faroe Islands.

The latter are an archipelago of 18 volcanic islands in the North Atlantic, known to naturalists for their marine bird populations; they formed about 55 MYA, along the North Atlantic Rift.  First settled by Nordic explorers as early as the 4th Century AD, the Faroes became a territory of Norway in the 11th Century and joined the Kingdom of Denmark in the early 1800s.  The local culture and language remain distinct from the mainland.

Today we flew from Copenhagen to the Faroe Islands (a 1.75 hour flight), where we will spend the next week; the landscape of grass-covered ridges, numerous waterfalls and intervening fjords reminds us of Iceland and Northern Scotland.  More on these isolated, scenic islands in the coming days. 

Visiting Roskilde

Roskilde, Denmark, WSW of Copenhagen, was the original Capital of the country.  Long before that, it was a Viking settlement.

Today, Roskilde is renowned for its large cathedral, the burial site of Denmark's kings and queens, and for its Viking Museum, which houses the remnants of five Viking ships, dating back to the late 11th Century.  These ships were first located in the Roskilde Fjord in 1962 and are still being pieced together today.  An associated Viking village allows visitors to engage in activities that characterized Viking culture.

The Viking civilization first arose in Scandinavia in the 8th Century AD and endured until the early 11th Century; by then they had merged with the regional Christian society.  Though known as ruthless raiders across the North Atlantic, the Vikings developed prowess in many areas of Nordic life and established trade routes that extended as far south as the Mediterranean Sea.  

International News

Though my exposure to foreign news programming has been limited over the years, it is clear to me that it offers a broader view of international issues than do major American news programs.  While we  may learn about natural disasters, wars and political upheavals outside the U.S., the focus is generally on those events that have some impact on American society.

We do not regularly hear about economic, cultural or social programs in foreign countries; as a result, we Americans have a limited world view.  By contrast, residents of foreign countries are keenly aware of problems facing the U.S.  

Our knowledge of global issues is impaired and our commitment to global solutions is thus diminished.  The welfare of human society as a whole, and of our planet itself, depends on international cooperation; unless we understand one another, that goal is unlikely to be achieved. 

In a Foreign Land

My wife and I are spending a few days in Copenhagen, Denmark, before heading up to the Faroe Islands, in the North Atlantic.  The site of established communities since the 11th Century, Copenhagen sits along a strait between the North and Baltic Seas.

Not a world traveler by nature, Denmark is only the fifth foreign country that I have visited over the course of my long tenure on this planet (not counting my many excursions into Canada).  While that fact might place me in the minority among jet-setting Americans, it is safe to say that most humans never leave their home country and I am certainly fortunate to have this opportunity.

Known for its harbor, bridges, canals, historic architecture and cultural amenities, Copenhagen is a vibrant city; cyclists dominate the urban center.  Yet, away from the historic buildings and tourist zones, it is like most cities, replete with industrial areas and modern construction.  More importantly, one notes that, despite our cultural differences, we humans have the same goals and concerns, especially related to our personal and family needs.  Too often, that fact is obscured by the trappings of tourism. 

Swallow-tailed Kite at Eagle Bluffs

After a rather uneventful and disappointing start to our visit, a friend and I encountered a swallow-tailed kite at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning.  Strafing the treetops at the south end of the refuge, this beautiful raptor made several passes before flying off down-river.

Having once nested along the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast, these kites are now primarily summer residents in Florida and along the southeast coasts of North America.  Most winter in South America.

Late summer is a period during which many birds wander beyond their usual range and it is certainly possible that the range of many species may expand as our climate warms.  Nevertheless, this morning's sighting was a special treat and a reminder to all birders that our expectations are not always met (sometimes, they are exceeded!). 

Down Time

Humans tend to admire productivity; idleness, unless imposed by illness, is often despised.  Indeed, those capable of balancing a variety of tasks are routinely praised.

"Doing nothing" is discouraged.  One should be reading, working, exercising, catching up on the news, taking in some form of entertainment or otherwise engaged.  "Idleness" is even considered to be sinful among those prone to mythology.

Yet, thought is the basis of creativity.  Those caught up in duties or self-imposed activities do not have time for thought (other than thinking about what needs to be done next).  They will never be artists, writers, inventors or philosophers. 

Whistling Kites

Since moving to Columbia, Missouri, 27 years ago, I have noticed that the summer population of Mississippi kites has greatly increased.  Occasionally observed in the past, especially on calm, balmy evenings, they have become a constant presence near our house (just a block from the University of Missouri campus).

Indeed, their whistling calls are one of the more common avian sounds in this area; as I write this post at midday, a trio of the kites are circling overhead.  Though they feed primarily on flying insects, their agility allows them to snare a wide variety of prey from the treetops or even from the ground; songbirds, frogs and snakes are among their victims.

As summer retreats southward, so also do the kites; most will winter in South America.  While many bird species are threatened by habitat destruction and climate change, these raptors seem to be thriving.

The Nostalgia of Freedom

It is that time of year in Columbia and in many other college towns across the nation.  Students are returning after summer break; of course, many are appearing on campus for the first time.

Those of us well beyond our college years enjoy the spectacle, even as the roads and restaurants become more congested.  We cannot escape the nostalgia that it evokes, including vivid memories of our academic experience, new friendships, social gatherings, sports events and impromptu parties.

Most of all, it is an emotional connection with our personal period of freedom, stretching from the end of high school to the commitments of marriage and/or our career.  Whether we admit it or not, that period shaped our life more than any other segment.  Freedom broadened our horizons while, in concert, imposing personal responsibility.  Though we can't go back, we can take in the scene and, hopefully, enjoy the memories that arise. 

A Window on Goldfinches

Replacing blinds in our Columbia, Missouri, house, I looked out across one of our flower beds as I worked.  Since a profusion of purple coneflowers have recently gone to seen, a flock of American goldfinches had stopped by to partake of the crop.

Always beautiful to behold, the colorful finches certainly brightened an otherwise cloudy afternoon.  Of course, their company also made my chore more enjoyable.

Permanent residents in Missouri, American goldfinches pair off to breed and raise their young but spend most of the year in sizable flocks, roaming the suburbs and countryside to feast on whatever seeds are available.  Birders who feed our avian neighbors know that they are especially fond of Nyjer ("thistle") seed. 

Good Rain

Despite having received torrential rain a month ago, Central Missouri has been dry for weeks.  Then, this morning, a steady rain developed just after sunrise and continued until early afternoon.

Unlike the chilly rain of March or the violent downpours associated with summer thunderstorms, today's precipitation was welcoming; combined with a temperature near 70 degrees F, it offered a perfect opportunity for a walk in the rain.

More importantly, this gentle rain, triggered by a stationary front that dipped across Missouri, soaked the soil without flooding the landscape.  Later this week, as heat builds from the West, thunderstorms are expected to rake our region and we may then forget the inviting experience of a good rain. 

Thoughts on the Olympics

As the Paris Olympics come to an end, I am, once again, left with mixed emotions.  While the spirit, comradery and athleticism of the contestants is inspiring, the underlying nationalism shines through.  Celebrities in the crowd (often on camera) represent our nation and attest to our pride.

Entertained and amazed by the performance of the athletes, we cannot help but root for our home country and are kept informed of the ever-changing "medal counts."  Of course, the U.S., China, Australia and other wealthy nations dominate the scoreboard, having molded their participants with the best training that money can buy.  The hard work of the athletes cannot and should not be denied but many opportunities have paved the way for their success.

Then there is the fact that, in the end, only the gold medals count.  More than tokens of athletic achievement, they open doors for future income; once the games are over, marketers and the public focus only on the winners.  Finally, one wonders if the money spent on hosting the Olympics (and the Olympic trials) is justified, especially considering the many social and environmental problems facing humanity and our planet. 

Late Summer Chill

We awoke to a temperature of 55 degrees F in central Missouri this morning, the first hint of autumn.  After a long, hot summer (with more surely to come), it was a welcome development. 

This rather sudden change is due to a dome of high pressure that slid southward from Canada, bringing dry, cool air with it.  The initial pulse of autumn weather won't last long but it reassures us that, even in a warming climate, the Earth's atmosphere remains in flux, responding to the jet stream and solar cycle.

At Phillips Lake this morning, the birds were especially active and noisy in the chilly air; highlights included blue grosbeaks and prairie warblers.  Except for early shorebirds, autumn migrants will not grace our region for another month or so; after all, they respond to the waning daylight, not the occasional incursion of cool weather.

Mending the Divide II

Now that Kamala Harris has named her running mate (a choice that I support), she might fortify her commitment to mending the political divide in this country by placing a couple of well-respected, moderate Republicans in her Cabinet.

Such a bold move is called for in these perilous times when our Democracy is threatened by the prospect of a second Trump term.  Demonstrating a willingness to go beyond "working with Republicans," such appointments would further marginalize the extreme Right Wing of that Party.

Policies and talking points may garner votes but courageous action is needed to end this era of perpetual sniping between Democrats and Republicans.  I am personally confident that a significant majority of Americans do not want Trump to be reelected but the inclusion of moderate Republicans on Kamala Harris' executive team may finally squash the MAGA cult.

See also: Mending the Divide   

First Signs of the Monsoon

Over the past few days, scattered showers and a few thunderstorms indicated that the high pressure dome, responsible for our persistent hot, dry weather, was beginning to shift eastward  Yesterday, a dense swath of clouds formed above the Front Range, shrouding the higher peaks.  A glance at the radar revealed an arc of precipitation, from West Texas to the Four Corners region and continuing northeastward to the Front Range.

This pattern is typical of the Southwestern Monsoon, as Gulf of Mexico moisture flows along the outer rim of the high pressure dome; the latter is typically centered over the Southern Plains.  Here in Metro Denver, it's welcome, late-day storms generally arrive by late July or August.

By yesterday afternoon, cloud cover had spread across the city and, just before 6 PM, glorious rain drenched our Littleton farm; periods of rainfall are expected to increase through the week as the monsoon intensifies.  Nevertheless, summer heat is far from over and our warming climate will have an uncertain impact on this annual weather event.