The Calls of Winter

We think of winter as the quiet season, reflecting the relative silence of birds, the hibernation of many species and the muffling effect of snow.  Of course, the cycle of life continues and some of our wild neighbors can be especially noisy throughout the winter months.

Back at our Littleton farm for a week, the seasonal expansion of the Canada geese population cannot be ignored.  Large, vocal flocks of these hardy birds, a mix of seasonal and permanent residents, move above the urban corridor, searching for open grasslands or returning to lakes for the night.  American crows and black-billed magpies have also gathered in large noisy flocks, improving their success in locating sources of food.

Then there are the nocturnal calls of coyotes, fox and great horned owls, intensifying as their mating season approaches.  Finally, as the days lengthen in February, the hysterical calls of northern flickers echo throughout our neighborhoods, announcing the gradual and often erratic transition to spring. 

The Great Plains Transition

Driving westward across the Great Plains of North America, one gradually leaves behind the woodlands and rolling terrain of the Midwest and Southeast as the climate becomes drier and the rivers smaller.  Eventually, the traveler enters the High Plains Province, where  the landscape is flat, the rivers are often dry and the woodlands have disappeared.  For those following Interstate 70, this transition is most abrupt between Hays (elevation 2018 feet) and WaKeeney (elevation 2450 feet), Kansas.

While the landscape change is obvious, birders will also notice a change in the primary raptors.  The common red-tailed hawks and American kestrels of the Midwest, the Southeast and Eastern Plains have been replaced by prairie falcons, Swainson's hawks (summer) and rough-legged hawks (winter).  Bald eagles all but disappear while golden eagles may grace the scene, especially as one approaches the Front Range.

Indeed, east of the mountains, the flat, High Plains yield to dissected terrain once again, the erosive effect of the Arkansas and South Platte River systems, fed by snowmelt from the Continental Divide.  Riparian woodlands reappear and, along the Front Range urban corridor, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles rejoin the raptor population.

Flashback Post LXX

Today's magnitude 7.0 earthquake along the coast of southeast Alaska (Northwest of Juneau) reflects the complex geology of that State, a subject discussed back in August of 2012.

See: Alaska's Collage of Terranes 

Duckland Restored

On this sunny but cold afternoon, a friend and I revisited Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on the Missouri River floodplain.  There we found that water coverage has finally returned to normal and that migrant waterfowl have noticed.

As has often been the case, mallards dominated the mixed flocks, followed by northern shovelers, green-winged teal, gadwall and a lone, male canvasback.  More than fifty American coot and a couple of pied-billed grebes were also observed.  Other sightings of note included three northern harriers, two red-tailed hawk, an American kestrel and a trio of Wilson's snipe.

Though small flocks of migrant geese have recently been reported in the area, none were observed today.  To see their massive flocks descend on Eagle Bluffs once again will confirm that the refuge has fully recovered from its prolonged, man-induced drought. 

Open Country Raptors

Driving across the snow-covered farmlands east of Columbia this afternoon, I encountered a few of our more common, open country raptors.  Two American kestrels were observed, hunting from power lines, a red-tailed hawk was perched on a telephone pole while another soared above the snowy landscape and a northern harrier attacked a massive flock of blackbirds, sending them into the chilly air.

Though I occasionally see short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks in that area, none were observed along my 6-mile route.  And while my vigil for migrant snow geese and greater white-fronted geese continues (without success), I did see a large flock of Canada geese, feeding in the crop stubble; it is more rewarding to encounter these common birds on farmlands than on the large, pristine lawns of our various businesses.

My winter tours of Missouri farm country will continue and, one of these days, flocks of migrant geese will grace the scene.  For now, I'll enjoy the raptors.  

First Snowy Day

It is appropriate that our first snowy day of the season is occurring on December 1, the first meteorologic day of winter.  While we did receive a bit of snow a few nights ago, it was mixed with rain, producing little more than slushy roadways.

This winter storm moved into central Missouri about 8 AM and has dropped several inches so far; a check of the radar shows that most of the State is receiving snow though the system is gradually moving to the northeast, entering Iowa and Illinois.

Since our temperature has remained in the 20s F, a thin layer of ice has formed on the roads, creating a challenge for drivers in hilly areas.  Overall though, most of us appreciate the wintry weather, especially during the Holiday Season.  Besides, snowstorms bring beauty and tranquility: less noise, less activity and a good reason to just stay put (easy to say at my age). 

Frigid Sunshine in the Valley

Brilliant sunshine illuminated the wooded hills and valley fields along Lower Bonne Femme Creek this morning but a temperature of 22 degrees F, exacerbated by a steady west wind, kept wildlife mostly out of sight during my visit.

Indeed, along my three-mile course I encountered only a smattering of common songbirds and a lone, stoic, red-tailed hawk, perched in a dead tree.  Though I hoped to see migrant geese traveling south through the Missouri River Valley, none appeared in the deep blue sky.

Of course, my tour was well worth the effort, despite the weather and the dearth of wildlife.  I could have been home, enveloped in heated air while absorbing the latest atrocities of the Trump Administration.  I'll take a drive in the country anytime.

Trump's Response to Tragedy

The shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, one of whom has now died, triggered a rapid and impulsive response from King Trump.  Unwilling to admit that the deployments were and are ill-advised, he has ordered up 500 more troops to further increase security.

Furthermore, having learned that the shooter was an Afghan native (who happened to assist U.S. troops in his own country), Trump initially ordered that the immigration of individuals from Afghanistan will be halted and has now put a stop to immigration from all "Third World countries."

In other words, the actions of a deranged killer have caused our King to increase the number of potential victims in the District of Columbia and to label all individuals from impoverished countries as high risk immigrants.  Of course, the white, American men who tried to assassinate Trump and who killed Charlie Kirk, did not trigger such a widespread condemnation.  In the face of tragedy, racism is a convenient tool that can be used to provide cover for unwise policies.  

An Arctic Pinwheel

A deep atmospheric trough, currently dipping across the Great Lakes, is producing low windchills and lake-effect snows throughout that region.  Up to a foot of snow has accumulated in some areas and the final totals may be twice that amount, especially in the swaths of higher terrain.

More widespread are the gusty winds that are circulating around the central low, which now sits above northeastern Wisconsin.  Moving counterclockwise, they are pulling in additional moisture from the Mid-Atlantic region and raking the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest with Arctic air.

Here in central Missouri, despite the bright sunshine, the storm's northwest winds are producing afternoon high near 42 degrees F; of course, the wind-chill is at least 10 degrees below the air temperature.  A taste of winter just in time for our Thanksgiving feast!  Happy Holidays to all.

The Nature of Traitors

According to King Trump, those Democratic military veterans who reminded current service members that, per the U.S. Constitution, they cannot follow illegal orders, are traitors and may be subject to the death penalty; his Department of War is now investigating those veterans.  Of course, Trump has referred to other U.S. citizens as traitors whenever they oppose his policies or decrees; Marjorie Taylor Greene is the latest Congress member to receive that title and several others are under investigation by his Department of Justice.

But traitors are those who willingly ignore the Constitution and the rule of law, thereby endangering our Democracy. Examples include attempting to overturn a legal election, sending the military into American cities to confront protestors and killing non-combatants at sea without benefit of a trial.  Then there is the act of pardoning individuals who are tied to the political and/or financial welfare of the President and his family.  Finally, relentless lying to the American public might also be labeled as traitorous.

Indeed, King Trump is our Traitor-in-Chief, threatening our Constitution and the rights of his perceived enemies.  Those who blindly support him are traitors as well.

Winter Flocks

Many bird species gather in large flocks during the colder months to improve their search for food and to decrease their risk of predation.  Even non-birders likely note the massive flocks of starlings, blackbirds, robins and mourning doves that move across farmlands and sometimes invade our neighborhoods.

Other songbirds tend to gather in feeding groups for the same purposes.  These mixed flocks usually include chickadees, titmice, downy woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, nuthatches and a host of sparrows, juncos and finches.  Absent for periods of time, these groups suddenly turn up in our yards, scouring the trees and shrubs or swarming the feeders.

All of these roaming winter flocks attract the attention of predators and draw in rare loners as well, further enhancing the spectacle for birders.  While we look forward to the spring and fall migrations for their pure diversity of species, it is winter that delivers the numbers. 

Living in our Future

Throughout our lives, we humans wonder about our future.  By the time we enter high school, our focus is on whether we will go to college and what career we might pursue.  A bit later on, we wonder who we will marry, if we will have children and where we will live.

In middle age, we shift our concerns to the future welfare of our children, our grandchildren and our parents.  Of course, the latter often have health problems by that time and we worry about their future needs, including their potential care requirements.

Once we are old ourselves, the mysteries of our life have been solved except, of course, the timing and cause of our own death.  We are now living in our future but, in many ways, it is now easier to live in the present.  Though we might often think of our past, we know it is beyond our control and, eventually, come to terms with any regrets we might harbor.  Focusing on the present is necessary, healthy and comforting.

See also: Living in the Present 

Cut-Off Lows

The series of Pacific storms that have brought flooding rains to Southern California have been produced by "cut-off lows," not energized and driven by the jet stream.  As a result, they have meandered eastward, devoid of powerful winds or strong thunderstorms.

Currently, one of these storms is centered over Kansas and its counterclockwise winds are pulling up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.  A band of steady rain stretches across Missouri, eastern Kansas and eastern Nebraska, a welcome development for this drought-plagued region.

Meanwhile, another cut-off low is spinning off Southern California, sweeping more rain into that water-logged area.  Unless and until an atmospheric trough drops southward to boost its energy, it will likely arrive here by mid week.  We'll take whatever moisture it brings. 

A Duckless Floodplain

An 88-mile segment of Interstate 29, between Mound City, Missouri, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, runs across the broad, flat floodplain of the Missouri River.  This ecosystem is a mosaic of crop fields, lakes, wetlands, canals, tributaries and riparian woodlands.  Red-tailed hawks are usually common along the highway, the massive nests of bald eagles are evident in some of the larger trees and waterfowl are often abundant on the open waters or flying overhead, especially during seasonal migrations.  Indeed, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its spectacular flocks of migrant snow geese, is just south of Mound City.

So, having driven this road in both directions over the past few days, I was shocked not to observe a single duck or goose.  Only adding to my personal impatience with the tardy waterfowl migration, their complete absence on the floodplain was disturbing..

Perhaps this observation merely reflects relatively warm conditions across northern latitudes, yet another sign of climate change.  Maybe the waterfowl were concentrated closer to the river on the west side of the floodplain.  But those of us concerned about our unrelenting assault on the health of natural ecosystems cannot shake the conviction that we humans are slowly degrading the planet.

God and Uncertainty

It seems to me that our personal concept of God is a product of our culture, our family dynamics, our education, our life experience and our capacity to remain objective.  Early man associated various gods with most natural phenomena; since then, as our species has evolved, our collective and personal view of God has become more refined.

Nevertheless, among modern human beings, there is a wide variety of beliefs, from a strict devotion to historical Scripture to atheism.  The less we understand about the nature of our Universe, which may be due to the circumstances of our life or due to choices that we have made, the easier it is to retain a simplistic view of God.

In the end, regardless of ingrained beliefs and the level of our education, it is our determination and willingness to be objective that most influences our belief in a divine being.  Were it left to the individual, this would be sufficient; unfortunately, devoutly religious groups in human society too often want to impose their beliefs on the rest of us.

See also:  Man and Religion 

Maduro channels Lennon

As King Trump ponders whether or not he will attack Venezuela, President Maduro and his supporters sang and swayed to John Lennon's Imagine.  Released in 1971, during the Vietnam War, its lyrics ask why we cannot celebrate humanity without divisive attention to wealth, religion, race and nationality.

Coming from a dictator like Maduro, the words are certainly disingenuous and, of course, one doubts Trump is even familiar with the song.  Since he is fond of dictators, one actually wonders why Trump is taking aim at Venezuela to begin with; starting another war certainly won't help his campaign to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

The entire scenario, if it were not so serious, might be fodder for a Woody Allen movie.  Unfortunately, two incompetent, power-hungry men just may engage in a conflict that leads to the deaths of many innocent civilians and soldiers.  It's time for the Republicans to imagine a better course for America and derail Trump's impulsive "leadership." 

Raking on a Summer Day

The leaf-covered lawns and acorn-coated driveway indicated it is autumn but the sunny, warm weather made it feel like summer.  So we took advantage of the unseasonably mild conditions to get a start on our annual attempt to keep up with Mother Nature.

Serenaded by white-breasted nuthatches and Carolina wrens we relocated the acorns to our compost bin and began raking the leaves toward our shrub lines.  Since our sawtooth oaks have not yet dropped the majority of their leaves, we gave their locations a wide berth.  After all, our raking efforts have always been staged, even more so in recent years.

Though the recent and upcoming chill was and will be welcome, especially after our long, hot summer, a brief, mild interlude is always appreciated when outdoor chores are pending.  After a period of recovery, we'll resume our work next weekend. 

Southwest Deluge

Over the past week, a deep atmospheric trough off the West Coast directed heavy rain and high winds across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.  Then, its southern portion split away and strengthened off the coast of Southern California; this "cut-off low" is now sweeping torrential rain across San Diego, Los Angeles and the adjacent mountains.

Prolonged, heavy rain will be especially problematic in the burn scar areas, likely producing mudslides and landslides.  On the positive side, the Southern Sierra Nevada may receive up to three feet of snow, a welcome, early addition to the vital winter snow pack.

After pummeling Southern California, the storm is expected to move across western Arizona and southern Nevada before dumping significant snow in the mountains of Utah and Colorado.  Unfortunately, a second Pacific storm system may form in its wake, augmenting the potential for widespread flooding across the arid landscapes of the Desert Southwest.

A Spectacular Aurora Borealis

A G4 level geomagnetic storm produced one of the most spectacular and widespread Aurora borealis displays in decades over the past two nights.  Visible as far south as the Gulf Coast, the Northern Lights were captured on countless photos across Europe and North America.

                                                       Photo by Zach Folzenlogen, Colorado

 

Ruddys at Phillips Lake

Desperate for signs that the autumn waterfowl migration is finally underway, I was pleased to encounter a flock of nine ruddy ducks on Phillips Lake this morning.  Long one of my favorite duck species, these small, attractive birds were diving for their breakfast in the center of the lake, oblivious of the chilly air and gusty, southwest winds.

I would be remiss not to mention the three gadwall and a lone pied-billed grebe that shared the choppy waters and, to be absolutely complete, the single Canada goose that flew overhead.  Of more interest were at least 200 robins, now gathering in their large winter flocks, that filled many of the trees that surround the lake.

But the ruddys were the highlight of my visit.  Hopefully, they represent the vanguard of a spectacular, though belated, waterfowl migration season.

Riding the Winter Wind

Down in the Lower Bonne Femme Valley, south of Columbia, on this first wintry morning of the season, most of the birds were sheltering from the cold, gusty, northwest wind.  But there was one exception.

An immature bald eagle was cavorting in the clear, cold air, soaring over the Missouri River and its bordering floodplain.  Perhaps it was born in the State or simply took advantage of the strong tailwinds to travel south for the season.  In either case, he/she was unfazed by the wind chill that kept me in the warm confines of my pickup.

While common in Missouri throughout the year, bald eagles increase in number during the colder months, tracking the waterfowl flocks on which they feed (augmenting their diet of fish and carrion).  This morning's visitor may have arrived ahead of those migrants but, hopefully, they will soon appear. 

Waiting on the Cold Front

A potent cold front is forecast to drop through the eastern half of North America over the next few days.  We birders hope that it brings the first significant wave of migrant waterfowl this season.

Indeed, more than other groups of birds, most of which either don't migrate or move in response to the solar cycle, waterfowl head south when their natural food sources are depleted or when lakes, ponds and wetlands freeze over.  In that regard, their lives are more closely tied to the fickle nature of weather patterns (and thus to climate change) than most wildlife.

And unlike human snowbirds, who head south to escape winter, waterfowl will often stop short of their traditional wintering areas if relatively mild weather encourages them to do so.  Whether global warming eventually halts their seasonal migration altogether remains to be seen; availability of food rather than weather may become the determining factor. 

The Coot Cavalry

Arriving for the "birding window" at Eagle Bluffs yesterday afternoon, a friend and I encountered only five avian species, despite the renewed, watery landscape.  On our way south through the northern section of the floodplain, we saw massive flocks of red-winged blackbirds but only 30 mallards, 6 green-winged teal and a lone pied-billed grebe.  No waders, shorebirds or raptors were observed.

Once we turned around and headed back north, however, we came across a flock of 175 American coot that had emerged from the dense marsh and were parading across a lake.  After such a long period of man-induced drought a the refuge, their sudden appearance was emotionally rewarding.

Of course, in the past, that number would have been considered modest at best; thousands of coot would descend on Eagle Bluffs during the spring and fall migrations.  We certainly hope that yesterday's sighting was a sign of the recovery to come. 

Back to the Audubon Sanctuary

Having not visited the Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary in a couple of years, I decided to correct that oversight on this sunny, mild morning.  Offering a pleasing mix of forest, prairie and wooded meadows, draped across a stream valley, the preserve is accessed by a fine network of trails; better yet, benches are spaced along the routes, providing rest stops and view points for those of us who choose to (or need to) use them.

Always an excellent refuge for observing songbirds, woodpeckers and raptors, this morning's visit was true to form.  White-breasted nuthatches were most conspicuous, seemingly annoyed by a pair of red-tailed hawks that circled overhead.  Though all of my sightings were of common species, I was the only human to grace the preserve during a one hour visit (a positive development for one who enjoy's solitude).

More regular excursions to the Audubon Sanctuary are certainly in order and I intend to return to this scenic refuge at least once each season.  After all, like all natural ecosystems, its welcoming party varies through the year.  

The Mamdani Message

Despite the harsh and demeaning rhetoric of his opponents, it appears likely that Zohran Mamdani, an avowed Democratic Socialist, will be elected Mayor of New York City.  His supporters, primarily from the middle class, are not focused on political labels; rather, they want fairness and an affordable life in that very expensive city.

Of course, New York could not function without their services and Mamdani has proposed changes that  will at least put a dent in the hideous discrepancy between their lives and those of the rich and famous.  One of his proposals, free child care, is something I supported in a post back in December, 2021.  Others include free bus service, a four-year moratorium on rising rents and a relatively small bump in the corporate tax rate.

One can argue about any or all of his proposals but it is clear that they are receiving broad support among working class citizens.  Unbridled capitalism has failed them and the cruel, undemocratic policies of Trump and his cronies have only increased their anxiety and discontent.  Though I am a fiscal conservative, I do believe that fairness and empathy must infuse capitalism if it is to truly meet the needs of all American citizens. 

November in the Country

Since our VW Beetle desperately needed a workout and since I had no other plans, I took her for a jaunt in the country on this beautiful November morning.  Clear, blue skies, cool air and clean-edged farmlands made the road trip especially enjoyable.

Turkey vultures circled overhead while a lone, red-tailed hawk crossed my path with what appeared to be a more specific destination.  Flocks of blackbirds, crows and mourning doves toured the corn stubble and small herds of horses and goats grazed on the browning pastures, now free of those annoying summer insects.

Following a long, hot, dry summer, devoid of cold nights until very recently, the autumn colors are late and relatively muted this year.  On the other hand, the osage orange crop is impressive, with dozens of the golden orbs clustered along the road in wooded areas.  No doubt, the Beetle and I will enjoy another rural excursion in the near future.  

Winter Songbirds Arrive

Over the past week, winter songbirds have filtered into Central Missouri.  These birds summer and breed to our north (or at higher elevations), migrating to more temperate life zones for the colder months (generally from mid October to mid April).

While permanent avian residents remain the majority, they are now joined by white-throated and white-crowned sparrows, purple finches, pine siskins, hermit thrushes and dark-eyed juncos.  Less widespread and usually observed in rural areas or wetlands are American tree sparrows, swamp sparrows, fox sparrows, Harris' sparrows and golden-crowned kinglets.  Brown creepers, red-breasted nuthatches and yellow-bellied sapsuckers, while not songsters, are also among our winter avian residents.

Beyond the influx of songbirds are winter raptors (merlins, rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls, among other rare visitors) and waterfowl species that may or may not stay through the winter (depending on the availability of open water and food).  All of the winter species are certainly more than welcome and encourage us to leave the cozy confines of our heated homes to enjoy the invigorating weather and scenic landscapes of the season.  

Murder at Sea

Whether they were transporting illegal drugs or not, the killing of more than fifty individuals at sea by the U.S. Military have been illegal acts.  The "Secretary of War," having ordered the attacks, is culpable as well and, though the Supreme Court has pardoned Trump in advance, he could still be convicted of war crimes.

Yet to be determined is why one or more military commanders have been willing to carry out these illegal orders;  they may also be prosecuted.  To date, few Senators have spoken out about these murders, perhaps because Trump's Department of Justice is unlikely to act.

More than anything else that Trump and his Administration has done, these killings demand attention and prosecution.  They are clearly an affront to our Constitution and a gross injustice to those who have died at sea without evidence of criminal activity and without the benefit of the American legal system.  Politics is one thing; murder is quite another and cannot be tolerated.  

Bill Gates downplays Climate Change

Long a proponent of efforts to combat global warming, Bill Gates, a renowned philanthropist and the co-founder of Microsoft, is warning that an alarmist approach to climate change will diminish support for reasonable measures to mitigate its effects.  Shifting his financial commitment to programs that improve the lives and health of those in underdeveloped countries, Mr. Gates insists he is still very concerned about the impact of global warming but has become convinced that humans will learn to adapt to its complications.

One wonders whether Mr. Gates' change of heart is derived from the current political climate in America.  Does he fear lawsuits from the Trump Administration, run by climate change deniers?  In light of pressure placed on corporations to comply with MAGA philosophy, one suspects this may be the case.

Having achieved a great deal over the years through the work of his Foundation, one hopes that truth still guides his commitments.  We should be able to simultaneously address all of the issues that threaten the welfare of our species and our Planet.

October Chill at Phillips Lake

Arriving at Phillips Lake, in southeast Columbia, this morning, I was greeted by a low, gray overcast, chilly air and a steady east breeze.  Nevertheless, I enjoyed an invigorating walk and encountered a pleasing mix of birds.

Adding to the seasonal milieu, multiple flocks of Canada geese passed overhead, honking as they moved on to their favored feeding grounds.  Other highlights included an osprey, a red-shouldered hawk, an American kestrel, a pair of great blue herons, four northern mockingbirds and the first flock of white-crowned sparrows that I have observed this season.

The long, hot summer has finally drifted to the south and our current autumn chill is more than welcome.  I look forward to the arrival of more winter visitors and residents over the coming weeks. 

Hurricane Melissa threatens Jamaica

Currently a category 5 storm, with winds of 160 mph, Hurricane Melissa is expected to turn northward later this morning and cross the island of Jamaica overnight.  Heavy rain (up to three feet), storm surge, strong winds, flash floods and mud slides are forecast to devastate the country.

Though it has been a relatively quiet Atlantic Hurricane Season, it only takes one intense storm to remind us that climate change will spawn larger and more destructive hurricanes.  After causing widespread misery in Jamaica, Melissa is forecast to head off to the NNE, crossing eastern Cuba and then the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The recovery in Jamaica will surely be prolonged and its citizens will depend on assistance from other countries throughout the Caribbean and across the globe.  In this era of political isolationism, that may be a challenge.  International aid organizations will likely take the lead and your financial support for their work is strongly encouraged.   

An Update from Eagle Bluffs

Since my normally-reliable birding companion is out West, bumming around the Four Corners region, I enticed one of my grandsons to join me for an excursion to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this afternoon.  Low clouds shrouded the floodplain, light rain was falling and shallow water covered the channels, sloughs, pools and low spots in the fields.  In other words, recovery from the prolonged, man-made drought is nearly complete.

From mid-October through the winter, access is limited to the northern half of the refuge to protect wintering waterfowl.  Based on our observations this afternoon, the waterfowl have not yet responded to the improved conditions; we observed about 75 mallards, 36 American coot, a dozen or so gadwall, four northern shovelers, two Canada geese and a lone pied-billed grebe.  No waders or shorebirds were seen nor was there any sign of duck hunters.

Nevertheless, the watery landscape was the star of our visit.  This fabulous wetland refuge has recovered and, hopefully, the waterfowl will soon find out.   

Crossing a Trough

Heading east across the Great Plains today, I drove beneath bright sunshine from Denver into western Kansas.  The air was dry and relatively cool, consistent with passing through the center of an atmospheric trough, caused by high pressure within a dip in the jet stream.

Meanwhile, south of the trough, thunderstorms, some severe, were marching across north Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.  As I approached Colby, Kansas, a band of low clouds stretched across the eastern horizon, demarcating the eastern wall of the trough.  Beneath those clouds, the wind had shifted out of the east and, by the time I reached WaKeeney, dense fog shrouded  the landscape.  Finally, as I descended into Hays (my standard layover site), the fog cleared and warmer, more humid air was moving up from the south.

Tomorrow, as I continue my eastward journey, the trough will have deepened in the West and the storms that plagued the Southern Plains today will have shifted eastward and northeastward.  In other words, I can expect to be driving through rain for much, if not most, of the day. 

Special People in our Lives

During our lives, we are influenced by a great number of people, including family members, friends, teachers, coaches, mentors and colleagues, among others.  But, as we grow older, we come to realize that a relatively small number of individuals, perhaps a half-dozen or so, have had an enduring and powerful effect on us.

These relationships usually occur during childhood or in early adulthood, when our emotional and intellectual development have not fully matured and when our belief system and career choice remain pliable.  In my case, one of these persons was my college English professor; though I cannot even remember her name, she encouraged me to consider a writing career, thereby giving me confidence to indulge that passion throughout my life.

Of course, the effects of these special relationships may have been positive, negative or mixed but they live on at a distinctly conscious level.  We cannot and should not deny their impact.   

Desecration in D.C.

Having promised less than three months ago that his 200 million-dollar ballroom, financed by donations from U.S. Corporations, would not disrupt the existing structure of the White House, King Trump's team in now in the process of tearing down the entire East Wing.  Of course, this action is without the consent of Congress or any other Government Agency and is the most overt evidence to date of Trump's assumption of omnipotence.  Thanks to the Supreme Court, he can do what he wants without fear of prosecution.

So this desecration of a cherished and historic structure, belonging to the citizens of the United States, is occurring without apparent resistance.  Those corporations who funded the ballroom project, familiar with the plans or not, are complicit in the tragic destruction.

Perhaps this sickening symbol of Trump's power grab will wake up those who have, to date, been willing to ignore his more subtle measures.  One wonders how Republicans will defend this horrific and irreversible attack on our shared history.  

An Influx of Migrants

As a friend and I discovered at South Platte Park this morning, yesterday's northerly winds brought down the first significant number and variety of migrant waterfowl.  Following a sluggish start to the autumn migration, these travelers, most of which will likely spend the winter along the Front Range, were a welcome sight.

Among the species observed were pied-billed grebes, buffleheads, hooded mergansers, gadwall, American wigeon, northern pintails, ring-necked ducks and a lone canvasback; they joined year-round residents, including mallards, wood ducks and ring-billed gulls.  Observing these flocks were an osprey and a pair of bald eagles, perched in a treeline west of the lakes.

Since I will be returning to Missouri in a few days, it was good to witness the early stages of this inspiring annual transition.  Hopefully, the Midwestern version will greet my arrival.  

Raked by a Northwest Wind

 The latest Pacific storm system pulled out of the Northern Rockies this morning and its strong, counterclockwise winds raked the Front Range urban corridor.  Since we were south and west of the storm's path, the winds were out of the northwest.  Furthermore, since the air was descending from higher terrain, it was devoid of moisture, producing crystal-clear air across the region.

As the storm proceeds eastward, the winds will shift from the north and then die down.  Across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, its cold front will encounter warmer air and Gulf of Mexico moisture, igniting thunderstorms.

Here at the base of the Front Range, elevation and wind direction have dramatic effects on our weather.  Today, we escaped the brunt of the storm but did lose a lot of colorful leaves from our trees.  Then again, that was beneficial as well; we don't want leafed-out trees when the first autumn snows arrive.

A Quiet Disaster in Alaska

Back on October 11, the remnants of Typhoon Halong struck the vast Delta of the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers, along the southwest coast of Alaska.  Dozens of towns were destroyed and thousands of residents were displaced; since this remote area has no road access from the rest of the State, evacuations have been carried out by military planes and ships.  Most of the evacuees lost everything, including the graves of their ancestors.

I'll admit that I limit my exposure to the news these days, not wanting to be overwhelmed by the antics of King Trump, but I do scan the New York Times each day.  Until this morning, I was unaware of this disaster and, frankly, am a bit ashamed of that fact.  One could only begin to imagine the coverage that such an event would have received if it occurred along a coastline of the Lower 48.

Remote and self-sufficient, these native Alaskans are Americans, just like any New York billionaire.  They deserve our attention, our compassion and our financial support. Please consider making a donation to the American Red Cross on their behalf.

No Kings Day II

On this beautiful but breezy morning along the Front Range, my son and I attended the second National No Kings protest.  Here in Littleton, the crowd was larger and noisier than the first rally, back in June, and at least 2/3 of the passing vehicles honked their support.

Of course, Trump has minimized the significance of these demonstrations, despite his current approval rating of 37 percent (rather generous in my opinion).  On the other hand, Our Dear Leader loves attention, good or bad.

But those Senators and House Members running for re-election next year are surely disturbed by the large number and size of the No Kings protests.  Sticking with Trump may seal their own defeat, even in many Red States.  Since their loyalty is based more on fear than on policies, we may begin to witness some defections over the coming months. 

Bugling from the Blue

Yesterday afternoon, while reading under a clear blue sky, I heard the distinctive bugling of sandhill cranes.  A flock of fifty-five cranes was passing overhead, almost too high to see.

During this autumn of sluggish waterfowl migrations, the cranes seemed to signal that our seasonal spectacles will still unfold, tardy though they may be.  A couple of potent cold fronts should bring the flocks south.

Heading for wintering grounds in New Mexico or West Texas, sandhill cranes pass over the Front Range urban corridor each autumn.  We birders hope to witness their journey and I am grateful to have been in their path. 

The Sound of Comfort

During my preschool years, I spent a great deal of time with my maternal grandparents.  My grandfather, who had a fondness for trains, put together a detailed model railroad in one of their spare rooms.  In addition, he would walk me down to the corner each day to watch freight trains cross a bridge, several blocks away.

To this day, I appreciate that kindness as well as his interest in the wildlife on his property, which, over time, spawned my naturalist philosophy and commitment to conservation

Seventy years later, the sound of a distant freight train, especially during the night, has a soothing effect on me.  It takes me back to that period of innocence, when the toll of loss, sorrow and death had not yet been experienced.

See: Soul Mate 

An Asphalt Desert

Sitting in the bright sunshine this afternoon, I looked out across our aging asphalt driveway and was immediately struck by its resemblance to a desert landscape.  An extensive network of shallow cracks brought to mind the dry river beds and washes that one sees on aerial photos of deserts.

Scattered pebbles might have been the remnants of volcanic necks and sun-bleached twigs had clearly washed down from higher woodlands, perhaps in a flash flood.  A bit downstream from my chair, one of the larger drainages had expanded into a shallow badlands where ridges of asphalt rose above an oval pattern of rivulets.

It was into this sun-drenched, arid landscape that a tiny ant ventured, zigzagging his way with apparent purpose.  Halfway across the driveway, he disappeared into one of the deeper "canyons," risking, in my mind, attack by a hidden predator.  As if to give credence to my imaginary scenario, a moth suddenly emerged from another crevice, flying off toward the greenery of our "lawn." 

Water Birds on a Cold Morning

On this cold, cloudy, breezy morning along the Front Range, a friend and I visited South Platte Park.  While the songbirds had retreated to protected feeding sites, we encountered a good variety of water birds.

A large flock of American widgeon cruised across one of the lakes while multiple flocks of ring-billed gulls and double-crested cormorants arrived from the north.  A quartet of American white pelicans glided overhead, a pair of black-crowned night herons moved along a shoreline and belted kingfishers noisily hovered and dove for their breakfast.

Nevertheless, the autumn waterfowl migration remains behind schedule, likely due to relatively mild weather across their northern breeding range.  But if this morning's weather was any indication, they should arrive soon enough. 

The Desocialization of Youth

Numerous studies over the past decade have shown that social media has diminished the traditional socialization of teens and young adults.  This sad development appears to be most common among young males.

Now, artificial intelligence is exacerbating the problem, encouraging susceptible individuals to develop relationships with the life-like responder.  As with all forms of social media, the primary "victims" are those deprived of direct social interactions with friends, classmates, teammates, fellow workers or other more traditional forms of human engagement.  This may result from personal or family issues; the latter often arise when parents are absent due to employment obligations.

The solution to this growing problem is complicated, involving both restrictions on access to social media (in school and at home) and the active encouragement to participate in sports, clubs, job or volunteer opportunities and social gatherings.  Friends, family members, teachers, mentors and, when necessary, counselors must all be involved. 

Desert Southwest Flooding

Copious moisture from tropical systems off the coast of northwest Mexico has spread northeastward into the Desert Southwest.  Flooding has occurred, and will continue to develop, across Arizona, southern Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.  Some of that tropical moisture is expected to reach Metro Denver this morning.

Up to five inches of rain is expected across southern Arizona and daily precipitation records have occurred from that region to Grand Junction, Colorado (including a record 0.92 inch in Las Vegas).  What may seem to be rather meager totals for those of us who live in other areas of the country are not readily absorbed in desert terrain, leading to rapid runoff and flash flooding.

Fueled in part by a deep atmospheric trough over the Desert Southwest, the moisture flow will likely continue for another 48 hours and normally dry creeks and washes may become raging torrents.  Hopefully, those who live along those drainage channels will heed Weather Service warnings. 

A Losing Battle in NC

The Outer Banks of North Carolina were created by the sea and are now being recalled.  While the State has escaped any direct hurricane landfalls this year (at least to date), several potent storms have passed offshore and another is due this coming weekend.

Waves and wind produced by these storms have been eroding the beaches and flooding coastal homes.  Man-made dunes, created to protect those properties have been pulled out to sea or shoved into the houses.  At times, water and sand have closed the main highway.

Climate change will significantly increase these erosive forces and, over the next few decades, one suspects that the Outer Banks may disappear altogether.  Rising sea levels and stronger storms will reclaim this scenic landscape.

Searching for Winter Birds

October is the month during which winter avian residents generally arrive on our Littleton farm.  So, under the watchful eyes of our resident fox, I looped through the property, searching primarily for dark-eyed juncos and, our regular seasonal boarder, a lone Townsend's solitaire.  Alas, none were seen.

Nevertheless, it was a rewarding effort.  I encountered a large flock of bushtits and the woodpecker-nuthatch crowd were well represented.  Among the twelve species observed, house finches, as always, were most abundant, followed by American robins that were feasting on juniper berries.  Of note, a red-breasted nuthatch, once classified as a winter resident in this region, was seen; this entertaining species has become a permanent resident here over the past decade or so.

I certainly hope that some of the winter birds will turn up before I return to Missouri and I suspect they will.  Then again,  the expectations of birders are often not met. 

Toward the Hunter's Moon

Continuing my journey across the Great Plains this morning, I was heading toward the Hunter's Moon; our large, bright satellite was gleaming from the clear, western sky.  Its title, of course, reflects the season in which it appears, highlighting the vital importance of hunting in our evolutionary past, in preparation for the lean, harsh months of winter.  By contrast, hunting is now more of a leisure activity than a necessary one across most regions of our planet.

A half hour after my initial sighting, the moon disappeared behind a cloud bank that stretched across the western horizon.  Within another hour, I was beneath that gray, rumpled overcast, enveloped in chilly air.  It seemed as if the transition from bright sunshine to relative gloom reinforced the message of the Hunter's Moon.

While many of us enjoy winter, we evolved in the Tropics and our collective memory has instilled some trepidation as we face the coming cold and darkness.  We also "know" that it is the culling season, when the old, the infirm and the very young have long been potential victims; we acknowledge that fact in our observation of nature but prefer to think we humans are immune.  

A Cloud of Gulls

On my regular journeys across the Great Plains, I am always hopeful to experience an unusual sighting or, better yet, a true wildlife spectacle (usually avian in nature).  Today's reward came in Abilene, Kansas.

Unfazed by a chilly drizzle and a steady north wind,  a massive flock of Franklin's gulls swirled above the Interstate.  Having summered across the Northern Plains, these prairie gulls are on their way to the western coast of South America where they will spend the winter.

Since they feed primarily on insects, often following tractors as they plow fields or harvest crops, today's weather likely forced them to feed directly on the muddy fields.  In contrast to our persistent drought in Missouri, Kansas has clearly received plenty of rain, as evidenced by swollen lakes and soggy farmlands.  

Recovery at Eagle Bluffs

Just in time for the coming influx of migrant waterfowl (and those who hunt them), it appears that the water coverage at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is gradually increasing.  Nevertheless, a friend and I did not encounter a single goose or duck on our visit to the floodplain refuge this morning.

In fact, over an hour and a half, we saw only 10 avian species, dominated by red-winged blackbirds.  Highlights included a sharp-shinned hawk and a great horned owl (photo).  Waders were limited to a few great egrets and great blue herons; no shorebirds were observed.

                                                        Photo by Ken Ogawa

But a recovery is apparently underway and the expanding pools were a welcome sight, especially since a prolonged drought continues to grip Central Missouri.  Following a return to Colorado, I'll report on the validity of my assumptions in a couple of weeks. 

Friendships & Politics

During this time of social division and political violence in America, there is a great deal of talk about "healing the country."  Mutual respect and compromise are among the proposed solutions.

Unfortunately, the dual sources of "news" in this country, one via professional journalists and the other from entertainment programming loyal to the President and keen on promoting conspiracy theories, hampers any attempt to reconcile differences.

And when it comes to personal friendships, one must share a philosophy of life and a commitment to truth in order for the relationship to develop and survive.  Conservatism and liberalism are often blamed for the widening gulf in America but the willingness to accept lies in order to benefit oneself or one's business seems to be the determining factor.  I, for one, cannot be a friend with anyone who truly supports (or even condones) the behavior, lies and policies of Donald Trump. 

Greenbelts

As our cities and suburbs continue to sprawl, consuming natural habitat, greenbelts have become especially important.  Even though these ribbons of life, almost always along rivers and creeks, often host a hike-bike trail, they offer a vital network of riparian woodlands, meadows and wetlands that attract a surprising variety of wildlife.

Unfortunately, these branched ecosystems tend to be rather narrow, lined with homes and businesses.  This limits their value as open space but also poses a threat to those human dwellings, especially in this era of flash flooding that we have recently entered.

While moving those structures will not likely occur until they are destroyed by a flood, planning commissions would be wise to widen these greenbelts before any new "development" is approved.  If not, nature will do it for us. 

Puffball Mushrooms

Walking out front yesterday, I saw that someone had left a golf ball in the yard.  Scanning further, I also saw a ping-pong ball and a softball.  Of course, these were all puffball mushrooms, the fruiting bodies of fungi; in our case, they are likely marking the location of decaying roots from a tree that had to be removed several years ago.

Not an expert on fungi, I am not inclined to snack on these mushrooms though most true puffballs are edible.  False puffballs, which generally have a short stem, are too tough to eat and some members of both groups are poisonous.

Unlike mushrooms that bear their spores on the gills of "umbrella-like" structures, the spores of puffballs are within the globular fruit and are released when it is disturbed by animals (including curious humans) or simply as the outer skin decays.  I'll just leave them alone. 

Careers & Relationships

We all hope to have a rewarding and successful career, regardless of what we choose to do.  Of course, that goal will depend on a variety of factors, not the least of which is our relationship with our family members.

Movies and streaming series are replete with this effort to balance a character's job responsibilities with the needs of their spouse and children.  Certain careers, especially in fields such as medicine and law enforcement, are often associated with prolonged and unpredictable time commitments and thus can exacerbate this ongoing tension.  Indeed, this fact may be anticipated or evident early in a relationship, ending it before it has a chance to mature.

As with all human relationships, cooperation, communication and compromise are the keys to dealing with this common challenge.  Too often, such a commitment is one-sided and divorce ensues. 

Resist!

Following the political attacks on Jimmy Kimmel and James Comey, there is no need to negotiate over the pending Government shutdown.  The entire Republican Party, with very few exceptions, are Trump lapdogs, rubber stamping any policy or demand that he throws their way.  Our King now owns the Department of Justice.

All of his Cabinet members are incompetent, corrupt or both and the Republican members of Congress are unwilling to criticize Trump even though his approval rating sinks daily.  Backed by a Supreme Court that disrespects our Constitution, this criminal regime is dismantling our Democracy.  Talk of a third term for the King is already surfacing.

Democrats must not bail out the Republicans.  Too much is at stake.  The Big Ugly Bill benefits only the wealthy and quality healthcare is being denied to a significant percentage of Americans.  We must oppose Trump at every turn or the Elections of 2026 and 2028 will not occur.  Resist the King and his cronies for your children and grandchildren! 

Zigzagging across Indiana

Driving back to Missouri today, we decided to avoid the congested Interstates of northern Indiana and Illinois and opted to take Blue Highways southwestward across Indiana.  Entering the State near South Bend, we used a series of limited-access highways and country roads, eventually entering Illinois near Interstate 74.

In the end, that route may have taken just as long but it was far more enjoyable.  It certainly gave us a better feel for the farmlands of the Hoosier State than a high-speed Interstate would and the journey introduced us to several rivers that we had not encountered in the past.

Of course, the luxury of free time at our age makes such a decision easier.  Nevertheless, we can all benefit from a slower pace to our lives whenever possible.  

Rosy Mound Natural Area

As it turns out, we saved the best for last.  On this final morning along the southeast shore of Lake Michigan, we visited Rosy Mound Natural Area, a few miles south of Grand Haven.

While the ecology of that preserve is identical to the other coastal refuges that we have visited and, in fact, its size is somewhat smaller, I was very impressed with the efforts to educate the public and to protect the fragile ecosystem.  Graveled trails and sturdy, wooden stairs, decks and boardwalks limit the impact of human visitors by offering convenient access while discouraging off-trail activity.  Educational plaques, spaced along the routes, introduce hikers to the natural history, flora and fauna of the refuge.

A one-mile trail (2 miles roundtrip and longer if desired) leads visitors across the forested "back dunes" and out to the open landscape of the "fore dunes" and beach.  I strongly recommend a visit to Rosy Mound Natural Area but must report that numerous stairways, some quite long, will need to be negotiated. 

Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Having heard that Grand Rapids has a nice botanical gardens, we headed inland this morning.  That decision was well rewarded.

The Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park covers 158 acres in the northeast quadrant of Metro Grand Rapids.  Offering a pleasant mix of gardens, water features and natural habitat,  it is accessed by a network of paved trails and boardwalks.  A wide variety of sculptures are spaced throughout the property and greenhouses protect tropical, desert and carnivorous plants.  A fine outdoor amphitheater also graces the Park.

While it is a beautiful and well landscaped display of flora and sculptures, this botanical gardens, like some others I have encountered, makes little effort to label the plants, thereby reducing its value as an educational experience.  In that regard, it does not connect with those (myself included) who want to learn about the many species that adorn its confines.

William Erey Smith Waukena Preserves

A few miles south of our cabin are the William E. Smith Waukena Preserves (North and South Units).  They are managed by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.  Access is via Lakeshore Drive, between the Fennville and Glenn Exits from 196.

The North Unit is primarily covered by coastal forest (photo) and its trail provides access to the Lake Michigan beach.  On our walk through the woodland, we were serenaded by the varied melodies of blue jays and the drumming of red-bellied woodpeckers; melanistic gray squirrels chimed in as well.  Of interest, signage informed us that Douglas fir trees, planted there long ago but not native to the region, have been dying from a fungal infection and are being removed.

The South Unit is characterized by a more open landscape of meadows, wetlands and parcels of forest; several ponds are also spaced throughout the preserve.  This morning's highlight proved to be the wildflowers, dominated by large swaths of goldenrod and white aster. 

The Kalamazoo River

Four primary rivers drain the western half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and empty into Lake Michigan; from north to south, they are the Manistee, the Muskegon, the Grand and the Kalamazoo Rivers.  The latter rises near North Adams in southern Michigan, flows westward through Battle Creek and Kalamazoo and then angles northwestward before entering Lake Michigan at Saugatuck.

This morning, we took a 3-mile loop hike through Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve, which is tucked within the final bend of the Kalamazoo River before it enters the Lake.  Winding across the forested dunes, the trail leads to the Crow Nest Overlook (photo), which affords a broad view of the River's blind channel and of the Saugatuck Harbor Nature Preserve beyond.

While the Kalamazoo's passage through Saugatuck and Douglas is lined with homes, docks and marinas, this final stretch reflects the natural landscape that characterized its path long before the trappings of modern human culture invaded its floodplain.  

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Stretching along 2.5 miles of secluded, Lake Michigan shoreline, this 1000 acre State Park is north of the city of Saugatuck.  Trail loops take visitors from the parking lot across forested, freshwater dunes (some of which rise 200 feet above the lake level) and out to the wide beach.

The southern portion of the refuge, accessed by a 5.5 mile trail loop, is protected as a Natural Area and harbors several endangered plant species.

Visiting the Park, one is struck by the large trees that now rise above the dunes, knowing that they took root well after the last Pleistocene glaciers retreated into Canada (some 12,000 years ago) and have managed to survive the massive waves that lash the shoreline (and that produced the the dunes themselves).  

North to Lake Michigan

Facing an empty social calendar this coming week (like most weeks), we decided to visit the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, where we have rented a cabin.  Setting off early this morning from Columbia, we crossed the Mississippi River at St. Louis and then began a long trek northeastward, crossing the flat, Glaciated Plain of Illinois.  Once covered by tallgrass prairie, it is now a mosaic of crop fields and riparian woodlands.

Nearing the Lake, we negotiated a maze of congested highways and eventually continued NNE on Interstate 94, which parallels the Lake's southeastern shore.  Our destination was just south of Saugatuck, between Benton Harbor and Holland, Michigan, where our first reward was a beautiful sunset.

In addition to the lakeshore itself, we plan to explore a number of regional State Parks and nature preserves over the next week. Reports to follow.  

Outdoors when Possible

Having spent 40 years committed to an indoor career (Medicine), I always tried to get outdoors when possible, whether it involved yard work, birding or hiking.  Indeed, almost all of our vacations were to locations where outdoor activities were the primary attraction.

Of course, my lifelong interest in nature has been the primary reason for a preference to be outdoors, especially since that proclivity has led to an endless chain of new observations and experiences.  While the opportunity for exercise has often been a factor, an immersion in the natural environment, whether that be the backyard or a remote wilderness area, has been the primary draw.

Now, closer to the end of my days on this planet, I have much more time to indulge my passion but a bit less energy to do so.  Though nature walks remain part of my routine, a comfortable chair on the back deck or an unhurried tour of our property (whether in Colorado or Missouri) are more commonly employed.  After all, nature's residents can always be relied upon to pay a visit. 

Free Speech under Attack

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, King Trump and his Administration have intensified their attack on free speech.  Trump's Attorney General has declared that "hate speech" will be prosecuted, as if it can be clearly separated from other forms of free speech.

In addition, Trump has intensified his attack on the Free Press, suing both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal for their reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case.  As we have seen throughout human history, threatening and reigning in the press is one of the favored and most effective tools of would-be dictators.

Our King wants to control all public information in this country, thereby suppressing news that reflects poorly on his Administration while elevating that which glorifies his behavior and accomplishments.  Free speech, the bedrock of American Democracy, stands in the way of his ongoing charade. 

Climate Change & Bird Counts

This morning, while watching construction across the street (I am still a young boy at heart), I caught site of four Mississippi kites, circling the canopy of a neighbor's tree.  Upon reporting this incidental sighting on eBird, I was confronted by their vigilant  computer, advising me that the count was unexpectedly high for this date and location.  As I have reported in the past, I respect the need for accuracy and was not at all offended by the digital query.

On the other hand, I sense that climate change is already having significant effects on seasonal bird counts, especially for species that do not strictly adhere to the solar cycle; waterfowl and migrant raptors come to mind.

Over the coming years, eBird and other avian monitoring groups will certainly have to adjust their data and expectations.  No doubt, some species may stop migrating altogether. 

A Skink Mystery

Common five-lined skinks, also known as blue-tailed skinks, have always been abundant around our Columbia, Missouri, house, most often seen scurrying across the deck or brick walkways.  While their numbers seemed to be normal this spring, I have not observed them at all this summer.

According. to the Missouri Department of Conservation, they tend to be most active from April into June but my past experience, over our 28 years in this neighborhood, has been that they are commonly observed during the summer and early autumn months as well.  A brief internet search failed to turn up any history of significant die-offs for this species.

Perhaps the hot, dry weather has kept them in sheltered areas, though we did receive quite a bit of rain back in July.  The mystery of their "disappearance" thus remains intact but I am hopeful that they may surface when early fall weather finally moves in.  If they don't "return" next spring, I will have to assume that some form of disease decimated the local population; that would be tragic for a skink watcher like myself (not to mention for the skinks). 

Political Violence in America

Following the arrest of a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk this morning, the Governor of Utah made an impassioned speech against resorting to political violence in our country.  Though I am sure I disagree with the Governor on many issues, I was very impressed with his effort to tone down partisan hate in America.

His central theme was that we can debate issues and protest peacefully while respecting the rights and welfare of our political opponents.  While this is a wise approach, it does depend on the willingness of both sides to be truthful and to support the concept of free speech.  Leadership committed to these principles must arise from both sides of the political divide and, most importantly, from the President himself.

Therein lies the primary problem facing our country at this difficult time.  When the acquisition of power, the enactment of revenge, the ridicule of opponents and the suppression of dissent are the primary tools of a country's leader, the political milieu encourages violence.  Elections, if allowed to proceed in a safe and reliable manner, are the only peaceful alternative.  

Angry Young Men

There has been a great deal of social commentary on the mental health of young men in recent years.  Blame has been placed on Covid, social media, "Manverse podcasts" and, most recently, the loss of jobs to artificial intelligence, all of which have led to depression, loneliness, a lack of self confidence and a smoldering anger with society in general.  A lack of close friends and no interest in dating have been common consequences.

Though I am not a social scientist, I am confident in reporting that I have observed an increasing number of angry young men in my daily life.  Having to spend more time on Interstate highways than I would prefer, I frequently encounter speeding, swerving, tailgating young men in cars and on motorcycles; fueled by anger and testosterone, they put their life and those of fellow travelers in danger.

I doubt there is any quick, easy answer to the social ills of young men, many of whom were clearly drawn to Trump's vindictive style in the last election.  It is up to family and friends to draw them out socially and to recommend counseling if indicated.  In their minds and thanks to the toxicity of social media, the deck seems stacked against them. 

SCOTUS Supports Racial Profiling

The U.S. Supreme Court, many would call it Trump's Court, has stayed a judgement by a lower court that Trump's Ice Squad's use of racial profiling is unconstitutional.  Their reasoning remains a mystery despite the fact that persons of color are skipping work or school to avoid being grabbed off the street.

In a recent interview, Judge Amy Coney Barrett was asked to explain what a Constitutional Crisis might entail.  She said she was unable to do so, a disturbing admission.

But we whites who speak American English need not be alarmed.  Trump's masked men will ignore us, even if we have an AK47 hanging from our shoulder.  On the other hand, I would recommend limiting your visits to the tanning salon, just in case your darker skin gets their attention.

Our Avian Soapbox

The upper canopy of our large honeylocust tree is a jumble of dead branches.  Though unsightly for the purist, it serves as a soapbox for many of our resident birds.

Among the more regular preachers and songsters are black-billed magpies, northern flickers, American robins, blue jays and mourning doves.  The dead limbs also provide a popular perching site for house finches and the occasional loner (e.g. Says phoebes).  At times, flocks of cedar waxwings gather there but they are too polite to preach.

A healthy amount of neglect supports avian diversity and I am more than willing to comply.  Nature, after all, does not like to be manicured. 

Sports Betting

I am old enough to remember when sports betting was relegated to bookies and casinos.  Now, thanks to an ever increasing number of online betting companies, it is an intrinsic part of most sporting events.

Bringing in revenue for governments, broadcasting companies, investors and sports leagues, it is widely available and actively encouraged.  More than betting on the outcome of a game or match, one can bet on what will happen on the next play or on the game stats for any given player; in other words, fans can bet on every aspect of their favorite sports.  Furthermore, newcomers are enticed with betting funds in their account to get them started (i.e. hooked).

While many fans might be able to participate without consequence, I suspect a significant percentage become addicted to the thrill of an occasional win and end up losing money that should go to more important obligations in their life; of course, betting company ads always include a number to call for those who succumb to such unfortunate tendencies.  Meanwhile, those who invest in the gambling services profit handsomely.

First Autumn Plunge

The first frost and freeze warnings of the season stretch across the Northern Plains this morning.  Though not especially early in that region, the autumn chill is getting plenty of attention after our long, hot summer.  Here along the Front Range, we awoke to an overnight low of 47 degrees F.

Some might suggest that this early September plunge offers more evidence that global warming is but a liberal obsession.  But a warming climate will not eliminate the seasons and, in fact, might make such "unseasonable" incursions more likely due to an energized jet stream.

Our recovery in Metro Denver will be rapid and we expect afternoon highs in the low 80s F for the next week.  Of course, the longer nights, dry air and high elevation will allow overnight lows to dip into the 50s F but our brief, more intense chill is already ending. 

Trump's Facade Cracks

Just a few weeks ago, King Trump was confidently on his way to dictatorship.  Now, following a series of judicial decisions, especially related to unlawful tariffs, the misuse of National Guard troops and his cruel approach to deportations, he appears far from omnipotent.

His promise to end the Russia-Ukranian War in 24 hours has blown up in his face, his choice for Secretary of HHS is under bipartisan fire for his total lack of competence, he has angered his base by calling the Epstein saga a Democratic hoax and his overall approval rating has fallen below 40%.  Worried about a "Blue Wave" in next year's midterms, Republican Senators and Congressmen are finally beginning to demonstrate an inkling of courage.

Of course, Trump is putting his faith in the Supreme Court which has previously declared that Presidents are immune from prosecution for official duties.  But they have yet to rule that Presidents may ignore the Constitution or the Rule of Law and we will soon learn whether they are truly independent or openly aligned with Trump's personal agenda. 

Calliope Hummingbirds visit the Farm

Broad-tailed hummingbirds are common summer residents on our Littleton farm.  Males generally arrive by mid April and begin their noisy, vertical breeding displays.  Females, which build the nest and care for the young usually turn up in May.  By August, the males and their buzzy trills head south, followed by the less conspicuous females and offspring somewhat later.

On this sunny, hot September afternoon, I encountered two tiny hummingbirds flitting about one of our large elms.  Based on their size and drab coloration, they were calliope hummingbirds, the smallest migratory bird in the U.S.  Having nested and summered on mountain meadows, they are on their way to Mexico for the winter; since they lacked the magenta throat of adult males, they were either females or this summer's offspring.

The sighting was the first for me on our farm.  It only took them 35 years to show up or, more likely, to be discovered by this intrepid birder. 

Florida ends School Vaccine Mandate

Today, Florida's lunatic Surgeon General announced that vaccine mandates will be eliminated in the State's public schools.  In his words, parents and their God will make that decision.

Once again, mysticism Trumps science (pun intended).  Following the histrionics of RFK Jr., Governor Ron DeSantis has unleashed the risk of deadly, preventable disease on the children of his realm, no doubt looking to please his Dear Leader in Washington (as he did with the fiasco of Alligator Alcatraz).

A slew of lawsuits from professional medical organizations is certain to follow but the word is out for those who favor religion over science:  "Send your kids to school; no vaccination records necessary." Will responsible Republican lawmakers come to the rescue?  Don't hold your breath. 

Conservation & Extinction

Ignoring the central message of the Jurassic Park films, some "enterprising" scientists are focusing on efforts to bring back extinct species.  In my opinion, this is an unwise and inappropriate endeavor, whether the extinction occurred at the hands of humans or not.

Once we gave up our nomadic lifestyle and turned to cultivation and domestication (both about 10,000 years ago), humans have had a significant effect on the health of other animal populations.  Of course, this negative impact greatly increased during the Industrial and Technologic Revolutions as pollution and widespread development destroyed ecosystems.  Rather than reversing extinction, a natural component of evolution, we should concentrate on protecting those species that still exist; reducing our population, cutting back on personal consumption, greatly limiting pollution and protecting natural habitat are the primary tools.  Nature will heal herself if we get out of her way.

Then again, we have an American President and Administration who are anti-science; they deny climate change, are cutting back (if not eliminating) federal support for green energy industries and even talk of renewing the use of coal in power plants.  Unless we reverse the political climate, the extinction of our own species will be greatly accelerated.

Spectacle over Hays

Heading back to Colorado today, I set out for Hays, Kansas, my regular, half-way, overnight stop.  I drove beneath cloudy skies for most of the 6-hour trip, encountering intermittent showers along the way.  When I reached central Kansas, sunshine prevailed and the temperature had risen into the low eighties F.

Stopping to pick up a sandwich, I was waiting for the order when I spotted a pair of Mississippi kites circling overhead.  Closer observation revealed twenty of the raptors above the city, perhaps the largest flock I have ever encountered.  Indeed, though most of these kites summer across the Southern Plains, I have never observed them this far north or west.  On the other hand, large flocks are common during migrations and this group was likely beginning their journey to southern South America, where they will spend the winter.

Having seen nothing of significant interest on the half-day drive (turkey vultures were, by far, the most common species) the kites were a special and unexpected treat.  Such is the nature of birding; some of our most memorable sightings are those we least expected. 

Fueling Obesity

As the scourge of obesity continues to grip America and while many seek access to modern weight loss drugs, the fast food industry appears to be undermining efforts to address the problem.  TV ads depict giant, multilayered sandwiches, usually served with an equal amount of calories in the form of French fries, onion rings or other side courses.  Similar ads entice customers to fried chicken outlets, all-you-can-eat-buffets and "fast casual restaurants."

Unfortunately, fast food is utilized most heavily by low income citizens, the same group that is most prone to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

While there is little chance that such advertising will be outlawed someday, one would hope that the fast food industry might shift their emphasis toward more appropriate portions of reasonably healthy food.  But the fact that they are currently proclaiming "More calories per dollar!" seems to suggest that such a change is not likely to occur. 

Non-Scientific Healthcare

The recommendations of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the CDC, the FDA and other federal healthcare agencies have always been based on scientific evidence, whether related to lifestyle choices or the latest cancer therapies.  Now, thanks to King Trump and RFK Jr., they are the product of personal beliefs, politics and cost-saving efforts.

The current crisis at the CDC is just the latest threat to the health of Americans, altering science-based recommendations regarding the availability and prescription of vaccines, an area in which RFK Jr. has long spread false information.  Of course, poor and uneducated citizens are most vulnerable to rumors and conspiracy theories; meanwhile, Kennedy has pocketed millions based on his anti-vaccine campaign.

The Republicans who confirmed RFK Jr. as the Secretary of HHS, despite that campaign and his complete lack of qualifications, are responsible for the current crisis.  Senator Cassidy of Louisiana, the chair of that committee and himself a pediatrician, is primarily accountable for this crime against America.  Kennedy must be removed from his post before many unnecessary deaths occur and trust in the recommendations of our healthcare agencies further erodes. 

Losing Touch

Throughout our lives, we make hundreds of friends: neighbors, classmates, teammates, colleagues, trainees and those individuals who we meet serendipitously at social events.  Unfortunately, over the years, we lose touch with most of them.

Except for those who use the "shotgun approach" via social media (which results in ongoing superficial relationships) most of us end up staying in touch with only a handful of close, long-term friends.  Even these individuals may only be contacted a few times each year, primarily on birthdays and holidays.

Of course, our modern, mobile society is at least partly responsible for this phenomenon as home town relationships fall victim to economic opportunities elsewhere.  But I suspect it reflects the evolution of human culture in general, especially the loss of interdependence among family and community members.  Nevertheless, I believe it is important to regularly connect with old friends; after all, we have, at least in part, been shaped by those relationships.

See also:  Old Friends 

Feeding the Narcissist

Two days ago, King Trump arranged for a Cabinet meeting at which the members praised him effusively for his superb leadership.  As they demeaned themselves on camera, one mentioned his beautiful face on banners across Washington, D.C., while another proclaimed that Our Dear Leader has done more to deserve the Nobel Peace Prize than any President in U.S. history.  Meanwhile, Trump looked on passively, soaking in the praise like a bloated sponge.

Of course, no one mentioned the failed peace talks with Putin, Trump's fondness for dictators, his fickle and destructive tariffs, his cruel treatment of immigrants, his overt racism, his ongoing revenge tour, his plan to send National Guard troops into large, Democratic cities or his constant grifting.  They know that any criticism or well-intended suggestions might put them on his hit list.

Praise is the life blood of our Narcissist-in-Chief.  Nothing else truly matters. 

A Fellow Listener

When I have some free time (which is most of the time), I often sit on the front porch and listen to music.  Of course, like other old men on porches, I greet neighbors as they wander by.

Over the past week, I have attracted a fellow listener.  She doesn't have anything to say but seems to enjoy the tunes as much as I do.  Before rumors of a scandalous romance develop, I should report that she is a mourning dove.

Landing on a post of our lattice work, she tilts her head to locate the source and settles in for at least twenty minutes.  No doubt, birds are highly attuned to sounds and I'm glad this dove appreciates my selection.  Her company is more than welcome. 

Rosinweed

Thanks to my wife's work with a conservation-minded gardening group, dozens of wildflower species adorn our Columbia, Missouri, yard; of these, rosinweed is certainly the tallest, topping out at almost seven feet.  A native of prairies east of the Rockies, this wildflower may look like a sunflower species but is actually a member of the aster family.

 

Since rosinweed spreads by both seed and root systems, it may form extensive stands under favorable conditions.  And while it attracts a wide variety of pollinating insects, it is also a host plant for gall wasps, the larvae of which attack its tall, sturdy stem.  In some regions of the country, this wildflower has been domesticated for seed oil and livestock forage.

Of course, at our place, rosinweed is purely decorative though we welcome all pollinators that visit these towering plants. 

The Nature of Penance

Raised in the Catholic Church, I learned that penance was a litany of prayers assigned by a priest to atone for "sins" that were confessed, whether you were age 6 or 60.  But I later discovered that engaging in penance is a rather common human behavior, triggered by guilt.

Indeed, penance is an act of self-punishment for real or perceived wrongdoing.  This may be due to failed relationships (usually with a family member, lover or close friend), hidden affairs, mistreatment of colleagues or other similar behavior.  Penance may come in the form of excessive exercise, compulsive good deeds, a decision to forego rewarding and pleasurable activities or the choice to withdrawal from established social circles.

Unfortunately, the self-imposed penance rarely erases the underlying guilt and counseling is likely to be far more effective for penitents.  Convincing oneself of that fact, however, is difficult at best.

See also:  Guilt 

Their Time in the Sun

Over the past week, annual cicadas have been emerging in our neighborhood, their loud, ringing calls but a minor disturbance.  Indeed, compared with their periodic cousins, which emerge in massive swarms, the annual cicadas vary in their number and impact each year.

Having spent a few years gathering nourishment from tree roots beneath the soil, they emerge in late summer to molt, mate, lay their eggs on terminal tree branches and then die; they will not eat during their brief period above ground.  On the other hand, they themselves may be consumed by Mississippi kites, blue jays, raccoons, feral cats and other wildlife. 

Once the larvae hatch from the eggs, they drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and attach themself to a rootlet; thus the cycle continues.  How can we complain about their noisy mating calls knowing that they enjoy such a brief time in the sun? 

Beautiful Morning, Few Birds

As experienced birders know, "birding success" often has no relationship to the weather; exceptions include heavy rain or strong winds which tend to keep the birds in sheltered areas.  My visit to Phillips Lake on this beautiful morning offered an excellent example of that point. 

Despite the sunny, pleasantly warm, windless conditions, the birds were few and far between; indeed, on my 1.4 mile circuit of the lake, I encountered only 11 species and most of those were represented by 1-3 individuals.  The highlight of my visit proved to be a blue grosbeak, singing from the top of a small tree.

Of course, one's enthusiasm for birding (and for the exploration of nature in general) stems from the fact that we cannot predict what we might encounter; numbers, in the end, matter only to competitive-minded individuals.  A glorious morning in the great outdoors is enough.

Heading Backwards at Eagle Bluffs

Arriving early this morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I was greeted by dense fog and the stench of stagnant pools.  On the other hand, it was pleasantly cool.

While this wetland refuge recovered significantly after heavy rains back in July, it has taken a giant step backward following the recent hot, dry weather.  Available open water is limited to shallow pools and a couple of sluggish channels.  As a result, waders were limited to 7 great blue herons, a single great egret and a lone green heron.  No ducks or geese were observed but there was one pied-billed grebe that managed to find a pool deep enough to dive in.  Songbirds were also rather sparse and raptors were limited to a handful of turkey vultures and a lone red-shouldered hawk.

Once the fog cleared, it was a comfortable morning, with bright sunshine, relatively cool air and natural beauty provided by swaths of sunflowers and rose mallow.  I'll likely be back in a few days. 

Driving toward Jupiter

Since running into a deer and smashing up our vehicle two years ago, my wife and I avoid driving after sunset or before sunrise.  Nevertheless, facing a 6-hour drive in the hot sun, I decided to set our early from Hays, Kansas.  That proved to be a rewarding decision.

A thumb-nail moon and bright Jupiter gleamed in the eastern sky and, twenty minutes later, a spectacular red dawn stretched across the horizon.  As the sun began to rise, the celestial bodies disappeared and the temperature increased.

No doubt, ancient man paid more attention to the night sky than most modern humans.  After all, we have our atomic clocks and digital calendars to keep track of the seasons.  Then there are those who lean toward religious mysticism; in their case, the spectacle above invites unwelcome questions.

See also:  Night Vision 

Trump Prepares for 2028

Imbued with a sense of omnipotence, King Trump appears to have set his sights on the 2028 Election (or lack thereof).  This week, he questioned the reliability of both mail-in voting and voting machines, based solely on the opinion of Vladimir Putin.

Having pardoned the January 6 criminals, Trump remains fixated on the 2020 election and the injustice that he perceives.  He has appointed his own Weaponization Czar to attack those who have prosecuted or accused him in the past; of course, that revenge agent is working closely with the Attorney General who is in Trump's pocket on every issue.  Then there is the threat of militarizing our cities (especially in Blue States); this will come in handy when American citizens begin to revolt.  Finally, our King assumes the right to control every aspect of our society, from private corporations to museums.

In his mind, I suspect that Trump intends to stay in office in 2028; the Supreme Court may even facilitate that plan.  Trump wants to be America's Putin.  No elections necessary. 

The Warm Weather Hawk

Though they generally prefer the open grasslands of the High Plains, a Swainson's hawk or two often soar above our Littleton farm.  Usually arriving in April, they escape the northern winter by migrating to Argentina, frequently traveling in large flocks.

Despite their large size, they feed on insects for most of the year (especially grasshoppers and dragonflies).  An exception occurs during their nesting season when they feast on a variety of small mammals and reptiles.

By September, Swainson's hawks may begin their southward migration, never to experience our early autumn snowstorms.  Though primarily a western species, individuals occasionally turn up in the Eastern U.S., especially in late summer or during migrations. 

A Promise at Noon

Though the Southwest Monsoon finally reached the Front Range last week, our Littleton farm had yet to receive a drop of rain.  So, when I went out back at noon and saw a wall of dark clouds across the western sky, I was both thrilled and hopeful.  As if to signal the coming deluge, an American white pelican circled high above, just ahead of the advancing storm.

Taking a seat to watch the atmospheric dynamics, my hope gradually faded.  Blue sky opened within the amassed clouds and they scattered in different directions, mostly to our north.

Due to the abrupt change of topography to our west and, less so, to our south, the behavior of storms is remarkably unpredictable across Metro Denver; perhaps another will form later this afternoon.  Needless to say, I don't blame the pelican for the broken promise.