Cool Relief

After almost a week of intense sunshine and highs near 90 degrees F, a cold front has dropped south along the Front Range, bringing cool, moist air to the urban corridor; along the southeast edge of the front, thunderstorms, some severe, will lash the High Plains.

As is usually the case, such cool incursions in summer are appreciated by wildlife as well and they are noticeably more active.  This morning, a friend and I engaged is some passive birding on the farm, serenaded by robins, house finches and spotted towhees.  Eighteen species were observed, including a fair number of American and lesser goldfinches.

Unfortunately, our cool respite will be brief.  Though we expect rain this afternoon, the heat will return by this weekend, with high temperatures near 100 degrees F. 

Stoking Violence

Of the many public servants who have been killed, attacked or threatened over the past decade, almost all have been Democrats.  There is a clear reason for this imbalance.

Donald Trump, feeling aggrieved and disrespected, has repeatedly criticized his political opponents and has suggested to his MAGA base that his enemies need to be "removed from office."  Combined with his violent rhetoric on other matters, this encourages zealous or unstable believers to act on his behalf.  The recent murders of a Minnesota Senator and her husband were especially egregious but the hints of fostering violent confrontations continue.  The Speaker of the House recently suggested that a California Senator should be tarred and feathered for trying to ask questions at a news conference.  Trump himself has indicated that he might consider pardoning those who attempted to kidnap Governor Whitmer of Michigan.

Meanwhile, Republican Senators and Congresspersons offer little, if any, vocal resistance; they only speak up to condemn acts of violence when they occur.  Unfortunately, I believe Trump's downfall will come only after his rhetoric is directly linked to the killing of a judge or prominent political figure.  That individual's death will be on those who have long condoned Trump's behavior.  

Oakmont and its Trees

When it was first developed, in 1904, Oakmont Country Club, in western Pennsylvania (the site of this week's U.S. Open) was known for its open terrain, resembling the courses one sees in Great Britain.  Over the years, trees were added to bring the course in line with the classic American style.

Recently, as they approached the Open, officials of the Club decided to take the course back to its original layout.  Depending on the source, 12,600 to 15,000 trees were removed.

A fan of golf but also a dedicated conservationist, I was dismayed by the news.  One cannot overlook the fact that trees add to the ecologic diversity of any landscape; furthermore, and most importantly, they play a significant role as carbon sinks and their loss is especially disturbing as we attempt to mitigate climate change.  This is not 1904 and, in my opinion, the decision to bring back the old Oakmont was short-sighted at best. 

No Kings Protests

On this day when King Trump arranged for a military parade to celebrate his birthday, No Kings protests have been held across the country, responding to Trump's push toward authoritarian rule.  My wife, son and I attended the protest in Littleton, Colorado, and were very pleased with the turnout.

One of 2000 or more No Kings protests across the country, we were honored to participate and impressed by the energy and commitment of the attendees.  It was also reassuring that many drivers beeped their support as they passed our site near downtown Littleton.

While such events can seem futile at times, knowing that the scene was repeated across the country (many much larger than our protest) indicates that a grass-roots movement is taking shape, reflecting strong disapproval of Trump's policies.  Hopefully, his birthday parade received far less attention. 

Front Range Guessing Game

Throughout June and July, thunderstorms bubble up above the Front Range mountains by late morning.  Where they will head is anyone's guess.

Some merge into impressive storms while others shrink as they drift eastward, producing but a tail of virga beneath their residual clouds.  The direction that the storms take will depend on upper level winds, adding to the uncertainty of who will benefit from their nourishing rains.  Since the larger storms often bring damaging winds and hail, urban corridor residents hope to be in the path of less intense downpours.  In the end, on any given day, most areas will remain dry.

By August, the Southwest Monsoon has generally moved up from the Four Corners region and the rain events are more generalized and usually less potent.  Of course, this typical summer pattern will likely change as our climate warms; whether we receive more or less atmospheric moisture remains to be seen.  

Inspectors in the Mulberry Trees

Our mulberry trees are beginning to bear fruit and, over the past few days, small flocks of robins have turned up to assess the progress.  Since the berries are not yet ripe, these inspectors leave after a few samples are tasted and subsequently dropped.

Within a week, the mulberries will have ripened and avian visitors to the trees will increase dramatically.  Joining the robins will be cedar waxwings, spotted towhees, house finches and Bullock's orioles, among others.  Of course, squirrels will get more than their fair share while raccoons and fox will turn up at night to scour the ground for fallen fruit.

Mulberry trees thrive in this semiarid climate and are welcome magnets for wildlife.  I would like to personally thank the inspectors for calling attention to the upcoming feast.

The King's Military

Sensing the opportunity to move closer to dictatorship, King Trump has unleashed the National Guard and a contingent of Marines on the protests in Los Angeles, a move opposed by Governor Newsom.  Though the protests have been peaceful (with some exceptions) and well controlled by local police, Trump decided to inflame the situation, wanting to be seen as a strong man when dealing with illegal immigrants.

One suspects that this terrorizing show of military force in the Homeland is just the first such incident during our King's reign.  No doubt, the primary targets will be Sanctuary Cities in Blue States; soldiers will not likely be surrounding crop fields and meat processing plants in the Red States.

Of course, this inappropriate escalation may just be a lead up to the military parade on Trump's birthday this weekend.  Expected to cost 100 million dollars or more, it will be a perfect display of our King's power and narcissism.  After all, he did call them suckers.

Note: An addition has been made to the original post. 

Mink at South Platte Park

On our usual birding route through the south end of South Platte Park this morning, a friend and I encountered a family of mink.  The parents and at least one observed offspring (litter size averages eight kits) had settled within a wood pile along the edge of a lake that connects directly with the South Platte River.

While mink are most often observed in the streams and lakes of the mountains and foothills of Colorado, they also inhabit the major river valleys of the Piedmont and Eastern Plains.  Their diet consists of fish, crayfish, amphibians, birds and small mammals.

Though not rare in our region, these were the first mink that either of us had seen within South Platte Park over a combined period of more than twenty years of birding at the refuge.  Such is the joy of exploring nature; her gifts are manyfold and ever changing. 

A Feast on the Driveway

For the last few days, a mix of songbirds have been gathering beneath our large Siberian elms, feasting on nearly invisible prey that they pick from the driveway.  Based on past experience, I know the victims are the tiny, translucent larvae of elm-leaf beetles.

Robins, spotted towhees, house finches and chipping sparrows have been the primary diners and it is amazing how quickly they locate and ingest the larvae.  Of course, those slugs that fall into the grass are relatively safe; no comparable flock of hunters has been observed on that side of the tree.

Another brood of larvae will hatch and drop in late summer when a second feast will ensue.

See also: A Shower of Larvae 

Red River Valley Storms

A stationary front stretching through the Red River Valley will be the focal point of severe thunderstorms later today.  Expected to produce strong winds, large hail, tornados and torrential rains, the train of storms will lash southern Oklahoma, northern Texas and northern Louisiana.

While the storms themselves will be destructive enough, the danger is heightened by the fact that they will peak after sunset and continue until midnight.  Deaths from severe weather are especially common at night, when many persons in their path are asleep or out for the evening.

Tomorrow, the storm system will track across the Southeast and up the Mid-Atlantic Coast .  Flooding rains will be the major concern in that region. 

Year of the Phoebe

Perhaps it's my imagination (and it often is) but there seems to be more Say's phoebes hanging around our Littleton farm this year.  These large flycatchers usually hunt from a fencepost or from a dead snag and the latter fact may explain my observation.

Since we are letting the farm naturalize as much as possible, our calls to the tree service have diminished and we have plenty of dead wood in our larger trees.  Combined with less attention to the pastures and "lawns," this may attract the phoebes by offering both more perch sites and more prey.

One would like to believe that naturalization does attract more species but there are always exceptions.  An example this year is a dearth of collared doves which used to nest on the farm but have not been observed at all this year.  Nature keeps us guessing. 

False Outrage

Attacking American universities due to their "tolerance of antisemitism," King Trump and his MAGA followers are demonstrating their own insincerity.  Having grown up in a Conservative, white, Christian culture, I can personally attest to the fact that racism, antisemitism and homophobia are widespread in that segment of society.

Indeed, pretending to be outraged by antisemitism on campus, Conservative Republicans are truly attacking the liberalism that comes with higher education.  Their base is primarily from the blue collar ranks and they need to demonstrate that they resent the freedom of thought that is encouraged on college campuses.

One need not be antisemitic to protest the genocide unleashed in Gaza.  While violent protests must be condemned, peaceful demonstrations should not draw the ire of Conservatives; using false outrage to cut funds for vital research that is carried out at our universities is a punishment directed at all Americans. 

Portals to the Past

More than any other element of human society, music ties us to our past.  Heard repeatedly on our radio, tape player or digital device, songs are associated with events or individuals from our youth to more recent periods in our life.

Of course, those ties are especially strong when they are associated with emotional events or relationships, whether joyful or pain-inducing.  In such cases, the music is an integral part of a memory and the latter is invoked whenever the song is heard.

One might conclude that songwriters are the most powerful individuals in our life, surely exceeding the impact of politicians and business leaders who come and go over the years.  The words and melody of a song, especially when closely bound to emotion, will always retain their influence.

Flashback Post LXVII

Mt. Etna is erupting once again and will continue to do so in the future.  A post from August of 2011 discusses the volcano's geology.

See: Geology of Mt. Etna

Smoke Signals

Smoke from the Canadian wildfires, having drifted south through the Midwest over the past few days, has now reached the Southeastern States.  More than reducing visibility, the smoke has produced poor air quality which is of special concern to those who work outdoors or who have chronic lung disease.

While there is nothing positive about this invasion of smoke from a health point of view, it does call attention to the distant devastation in Canada, an environmental catastrophe that might otherwise go unnoticed in the U.S.  Furthermore, it is a clear signal that ecosystems across the globe, including man-made habitats, are interconnected.  We cannot ignore the health of any environment (marine or terrestrial) without suffering the consequences.

Those who deny climate change need to personally experience its effects, whether it be via floods, hurricanes, drought or wildfires to give them pause.  Hopefully, this invasion of smoke will send a clear message and serve to change their misguided attitude. 

The Peak of Verdancy

Across central latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, early June brings the peak of verdancy.  Fueled by moist soil and the lengthening period of sunlight, greenery abounds.  In some areas, certain trees have just recently leafed out and prolonged episodes of heat have not yet materialized.

In concert, all forms of wildlife are taking advantage of the lush growth and, in the case of birds and mammals, adults are busily attending to their offspring.  Consequently, it is a great time for birders and other wildlife enthusiasts to visit our parks and nature preserves.

By later in the month, the intense sun will begin to take a toll and plant life will rely on roving bands of summer thunderstorms for vital moisture.  Adaptation to heat will then become the focus of plants, wild creatures and humans alike.  So enjoy the verdancy of late spring while it lasts; climate change may soon alter both the nature and the timing of this seasonal transition.

Western Heat

An atmospheric ridge, stretching from the valleys of California to the Wasatch Front, will allow heat to stream northward today.  Many areas will experience afternoon highs above 100 degrees F, breaking records for the date.

Since most areas affected by the heat lie in desert areas, this event is easy to ignore.  But the early date and the extreme conditions are just another sign that climate change is altering the seasonal transitions that we have long come to anticipate.

Fortunately, the extreme heat will be short-lived as a Pacific front come ashore with its rain and cooler air.  Then again, a long, hot summer surely lies ahead. 

Mountain Living

While we humans evolved in the Rift Valley of East Africa, our species has long been enamored with mountainous terrain.  Camps, cabins, caves and towns in the mountains offered beautiful scenery, plenty of clean water and a diverse variety of wild game.  Even today their appeal persists though modern life diminishes the need to hunt for food.

As our climate warms, however, the risks of mountain living have increased significantly.  Prolonged drought augments the incidence of forest fires while, as we have seen in Asheville, North Carolina, and eastern Kentucky, torrential rains over mountainous topography can cause tragic flooding.  Just this week, a mountain glacier fractured in Switzerland, sending a slurry of ice, water, mud and vegetation downhill, burying a small village; fortunately, an advanced warning saved most of the residents.

Mountains will always appeal to humans but living on or beneath them, like living on barrier islands or on major river floodplains, will become increasingly risky and expensive as climate change remolds the planet. 

Rainmaker

A broad atmospheric trough dips across most of the country this morning, from the Rockies to the East Coast.  Along its front, low pressure centers have developed, sweeping warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico northward across the cooler air within the trough.

Heavy, flooding rain is expected across eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, southern Missouri and the southern Mississippi Valley while most areas within the trough will receive some precipitation.  Not a welcome development for the holiday weekend.

Here in central Missouri, we expect relatively cool, cloudy conditions and intermittent rain over the next three days.  Having recently recovered from a prolonged drought, we really can't complain. 

Intoxicated with Power

King Trump, our Narcissist-in-Chief, thrives on attention and is intoxicated with power.  Each day, he awakens with another target on his mind, knowing that his action will appeal to his base and serve his personal sense of omnipotence.

Attacking corporations, universities, celebrities, law firms and journalists, the King unleashes his corrupt Department of Justice on his perceived enemies.  Wasting our money while grifting as much as possible for himself and his family, Trump knows that Republican Senators and Representatives do not have the courage to intervene.

Fortunately, the Judicial Branch is disrupting his drive toward authoritarian rule but resistance must come from American society as a whole.  Those groups who are attacked must push back and we must support them in any way that we can.  Trump's third Impeachment must occur (and succeed) before this self-absorbed tyrant destroys our Democracy.  

Settling on Songbirds

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on this beautiful morning in May, a friend and I found that the refuge had reached a nadir in its water content.  While a few stagnant pools still dotted the floodplain, even the mudflats had dried out and cracked.

Waterfowl were limited to two Canada geese while a dozen semi-palmated sandpipers foraged along one of the shrinking pools.  Turkey vultures once again dominated the desiccated landscape and a lone American kestrel was the only other raptor that we observed.  Three great-blue herons represented the waders.

On the other hand, a decent variety of songbirds were encountered, dominated by indigo buntings and dickcissels.  Other sightings of note included a yellow-billed cuckoo, a great crested flycatcher, a pair of Baltimore orioles, a few common yellowthroats and, the highlight of our visit, four scissor-tailed flycatchers.  Long a magnet for waterfowl and other water birds, Eagle Bluffs remains in a human-induced drought; when the desolation will end is uncertain. 

A Late Season Nor'Easter

A strong center of low pressure, fueled in part by the recent Pacific storm that pummeled the Northern Plains, Midwest and Great Lakes Region, has set up off the Northeast Coast, producing a Nor'Easter more typical of late winter or early spring.

The storm's counterclockwise winds will lash the New England Coast with strong winds, heavy rain, large waves and storm surge.  Unlike most Nor'Easters, there will be no snow but the cold, wind-driven rain may feel even worse.

Fortunately, the storm will be short-lived, moving rapidly up the coast and then out to sea.  In its wake, sunny, warm conditions are expected for the Memorial Day Weekend. 

Kites in the Wind

Returning to Columbia after two weeks in Colorado, I hoped to encounter Mississippi kites, back from their own journey to South America.  I did not have to wait long.

Late this afternoon and despite a gusty wind, two of the kites cavorted over our neighborhood, diving low to snare insects on or near the treetops.  As I reported last year, Mississippi kites have become increasingly common in central Missouri and, in fact, one is whistling from a nearby tree as I write this post.

We'll enjoy their presence (and their service) throughout the warmer months and, at least in my case, take special pleasure in watching their aerial maneuvers.  Wind or no wind, their flight skills are a joy to behold. 

The Flint Hills Transition

On my many road trips between Colorado and Missouri over the years, the stretch through the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas (between Topeka and Junction City) is my favorite.  These ridges and intervening valleys are, in effect, a geographic boundary zone between the Great Plains and the Midwest.

For those traveling west on Interstate 70, the Flint Hills offer the first "feel" of the West: Big Sky and broad vistas.  For those traveling east, having crossed the relatively dry and flat landscapes of the Great Plains, they present the first glimpse of lush greenery and dissected terrain so common throughout the Midwest.

Today, illuminated by bright sunshine, the Flint Hills did not disappoint.  Since the land is utilized primarily for grazing cattle, drawing mixed emotions on my part, there is very little development.  Raptors are common throughout the year and scissor-tailed flycatchers are often observed during the warmer months.  This morning's highlight was the back edge of this week's massive storm system, stretching along the far eastern horizon.

See also: The Permian Swath 

Crossing the Storm's Backside

Late yesterday afternoon, a massive Pacific storm was centered over Wyoming and its counterclockwise winds were dropping heavy snow in the Colorado Rockies.  As the storm moved eastward, its cold front ignited severe thunderstorms (some harboring tornados) across the Northern Plains.

During our journey east on Interstate 70 this afternoon, strong north winds raked the High Plains, producing ominous upslope rain clouds along the Palmer Divide.  Fortunately, the highway skirted most of that precipitation but I did note that wind turbines across eastern Colorado had been shut down due to the high winds.  Beyond Limon, we drove toward towering, white cumulus clouds, drifting south on the backside of the storm; carrying a residual cargo of moisture, some dropped curtains of rain or virga.

The massive system is now centered over South Dakota and its destructive storms arc through the Midwest.  We will spend the night in Hays, Kansas, thereby remaining on the relatively safe backside of this atmospheric monster. 

Stewards of the Earth

Most religious persons believe that God placed man on Earth to oversee and protect the bounty of life that it harbors.  If so, She must be severely disappointed.

Among the last species to appear, we are surely among the most expendable.  When compared to photosynthetic plants and pollinating insects, our role is insignificant.  Indeed, for the past 10,000 years, during which we established permanent settlements and gave rise to the agricultural, industrial and technologic revolutions, we have been dismantling, polluting and otherwise destroying the intricate web of life into which our species was born.  Should humans disappear tomorrow, natural ecosystems would begin a long process of healing and the planet might just survive, at least until our sun burns out.

But we are where we are and our only hope of offering stewardship is afforded by our intelligence.  We generally know what we must do: limit our population, reduce our consumption, eliminate pollution and both protect and restore as much natural habitat as possible.  Unfortunately, greed, politics and mysticism get in the way and our professed role as stewards of the planet will not likely materialize.  In the end, it will be our species that destroys Mother Earth. 

A Generic Naturalist

Growing up with an interest in Nature, primarily instilled by my maternal grandfather, I have come to learn a great deal about the plants and animals of North America.  But, even though I graduated from college with a degree in Biology, don't quiz me about their Genus and species.  And when it comes to groups such as insects and mushrooms, my knowledge base is unimpressive, to say the least.

Rather, my enthusiasm for the great outdoors is how it all fits together, how interdependent the countless species truly are.  Having outgrown the mysticism of my youth, I now understand that we humans are part of nature, just one of the latest (and more expendable) species to evolve in Nature's 3.6 billion year-old web of life.

Now, in my waning years, my focus is on enjoying nature as I did in my youth and doing what I can to protect what we humans have not yet destroyed for future generations.  Hence this blog and my rants against the religious, political and industrial forces that threaten the welfare of our natural environment. 

A Rose from the East

Though we have several types of roses on our Littleton, Colorado, farm, our wild, yellow roses are, by far, the most abundant.  They are, to the best of my limited botanical knowledge, Harison's yellow roses, said to have been brought west on the wagon trains.

When we purchased our property, almost 35 years ago, there were a few clumps of these attractive flowers scattered about the farm.  We were energetic enough to relocate some of them, an endeavor that proved to be unnecessary.  Aggressive and possessing stems laden with countless small spines, these roses fend for themselves and spread along borders with ease.

Favoring relatively cool, dry environments, this rose species thrives throughout most of Colorado and its dense blooms, occurring in mid May at our elevation, can be spectacular.  Efforts to keep them from invading our "lawns" were abandoned some time ago and these hardy plants do just fine without artificial irrigation. 

Flashback Post LXVI

Following an unpleasant encounter with a water-logged black lab at South Platte Park, I thought it would be appropriate to republish a post from April of 2014.

See:  The Futility of Leash Laws 

Surveying the Damage

As I have reported in the past, a large commercial and residential development is underway just east of the south end of South Platte Park, in Littleton.  From the adjacent roadways, it is currently a massive field of dirt, with some initial roads and structures.

Wanting to see how it is impacting the Park, my wife and I took a trail along the east side of the South Platte River.  Fortunately, a significant green belt still exists between the river and the development and wooded areas block one's view of the devastation in most areas.

Nevertheless, such a large project at the edge of what, in my opinion, is the best riverine, greenbelt park in Metro Denver is disturbing.  No doubt, access trails will lead down from the neighborhoods, dramatically increasing use of the Park by cyclists, fishermen, rafters, walkers and their dogs.  I'm sure this sounds a bit selfish on my part, a regular visitor to the Park, but natural ecosystems can only tolerate so much human activity.  Furthermore, loss of the adjacent open space, some of which was agricultural, will change the character of the refuge itself. 

The Fence Walker

Heading out back on a cool, sunny morning, I was watching a group of songbirds in one of our pinyon pines when I caught sight of our resident red fox.   She was not nosing her way across our "lawn" or sniffing for voles in a pasture.  Rather, she was trotting across the top of our back fence (photo).

She stopped and looked my way but is used to my presence and continued on her way.  Having owned the

property for more than 30 years, this was a unique experience.  The top of the fence is no more than four inches wide and I was truly impressed with her agility.

Such are the many rewards of spending time in the great outdoors.  Common creatures engaged in uncommon behavior is just a small (yet entertaining) part of nature's tremendous diversity.

Nature under Assault

For the remainder of King Trump's term, he and those who support him will assault nature in a variety of ways.  The destruction of natural habitat, the reduction or elimination of pollution controls and an inclination to ridicule (if not totally ignore) efforts to mitigate climate change will be among the more egregious.

Those of us who know that the welfare of mankind is directly tied to the health of natural ecosystems must do what we can to combat this assault.  Donating to national and local conservation organizations is among the more effective commitments; a few of these are listed in the right hand column of this blog.  Of course, voting out Conservative Republicans and climate change deniers in next year's midterms will serve to reign in Trump's anti-environmental policies.

Meanwhile, we must do what we can to minimize our own impact on the natural world.  Allowing our own property to naturalize, eliminating our reliance on pesticides and herbicides, limiting our use of gas and electric power, recycling what we can and reducing our personal consumption are among such measures.  Complaining without acting is not an option.  

Flashback Post LXV

Happy Mother's Day to all who have taken on the greatest responsibility on our planet.  A post from May of 2014 expresses that sentiment.

See: More Mothers than Fathers

The Flower Micro-Moon

Awaking in the middle of the night, I looked outside to see the Flower Moon, gleaming from the southwest sky.  It looked quite small, especially compared to recent Super Moons, indicating that it is at or near its maximum distance from Earth as it travels along it elliptical, off-kilter orbit.

Known as a micro-moon under such circumstances, it will peak in its fullness tomorrow night.  In addition to its current orbital position, our beautiful satellite is gradually moving away from Earth, though at a rate too gradual to notice during our brief human life span.

Whether the May full moon is a Super Moon, a micro-moon or some size in between, it shines on a Northern Hemisphere that has finally escaped the grip of winter and is reaching its peak season of growth and fecundity.   

NOAA to ignore Storm Data

Under King Trump's Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will no longer monitor the costs associated with severe storms, whether they be hurricanes, tornado outbreaks or flooding.  Such data has been used to understand the rising cost associated with climate change and to determine what preventive measures may reduce future disasters.

Coming on the heels of the Administration's decision to cut (or eliminate) funding for FEMA, this decision is claimed to be just another effort to reduce the Federal budget.  But, for anyone who has followed MAGA philosophy, this is just the latest demonstration of climate change denial.

Scientific data presents inconvenient truths for both religious and political zealots.  The best way to reduce its influence is to eliminate science-based programming, research and publications.  Unfortunately, we all suffer the consequences. 

Parental Advice Fails

During my youth, my parents, like many if not most parents, advised that "if you cannot say something nice about someone, don't say anything."  That is dangerous advice in these perilous times.

As King Trump and his cronies attempt to demolish the legal, financial, health, cultural, environmental and social support systems in this country, we cannot be quiet.  As they trash our alliances and spread propaganda, we cannot hold our tongue.  As the King rakes in millions through his grifting schemes, we cannot look the other way.  As the rights of both American citizens and immigrants are trampled, we must speak up.

One cannot imagine a worse individual to lead and represent our country.  Trump and those who support him deserve whatever criticism and opposition they receive.  We have no other recourse.  Sorry Mom and Dad.

 

An Ugly Gift

The Colorado Front Range urban corridor is known for its sunny skies and dry air.  Yet, it does experience periods of gloomy weather, especially from March through May.

Ugly as they may be, these upslope wind patterns produce chilly rain or wet snow, important gifts to this semiarid ecosystem.  More likely to soak in than the flash downpours associated with summer thunderstorms, these nourishing rains are also more widespread, often falling from the Palmer Divide northward to the Wyoming border.

Having received steady rain through most of yesterday, the gloom persists today with scattered showers.  But we'll take this windfall before sunny, warm weather and dry air return to the Front Range tomorrow. 

A Deep Western Trough

A deep atmospheric trough, extending south to the Mexican border, covers the western third of the U.S. this morning.  Within the trough, cool, cloudy conditions are widespread and snow is falling at the higher elevations.

It looks and feels more like March than May here in Metro Denver and I would not be surprised if we get some flurries overnight.  Indeed, a low pressure center down in New Mexico is producing a counterclockwise, westward, upslope flow along the Front Range, an atmospheric feature typical of spring snowstorms.

Thunderstorms have ignited in the Southern Plains, along the eastern edge of the trough.  There, the cool air within the trough clashes with the warm air at its rim and the jet stream creates wind shear as it interacts with lower level, moisture-laden winds from the southeast. 

Avian Welcoming Party

Whenever I return to our Littleton farm after a significant absence, I like to think that our resident wildlife take notice.  On this beautiful spring morning along the Front Range, that seemed to be the case.

House wrens, spotted towhees and house finches were singing incessantly while two white-breasted nuthatches followed me about the property.  A pair of Cooper's hawks honored me with a flyover and a red-tailed hawk stopped by to acknowledge my return.  A broad-tailed hummingbird repeatedly zoomed overhead while mourning doves provided mellow background greetings, contrasting with the harsh hellos from a pair of northern flickers.

Of course, all of this behavior is typical in the spring but we humans want to be more than observers.  We want to be part of, or even take credit for, the avian assembly, especially when it is on "our property."  Imagine what we may, the joke is on us. 

Westward into May

After dodging thunderstorms in central Kansas yesterday afternoon, we continued westward today.  Cool, dry air had dropped in behind the storms and bright sunshine illuminated the High Plains.

Flocks of great-tailed grackles scoured the rest stops and barnyards while the occasional kestrel, prairie falcon or Swainson's hawk (the latter species just back from Argentina) hunted along the highway.  Pronghorn were especially common across the Palmer Divide.

As we approached Denver, we noted that a significant amount of snow still coats the higher peaks of the Front Range, a welcome sign for a sprawling city in a semiarid ecosystem; of course, the Metro Area may receive snow during May as well.  More from Colorado over the next week or two. 

Anti-War Anthems

Now more than fifty years old, the anti-war anthems of the late Sixties and early Seventies remain some of my favorite songs.  Calling attention to the social upheaval, civil injustice and political corruption of the Vietnam Era, they played an important role in the development of my personal philosophy.

I do not regularly listen to modern-day music but one hopes that some of it also decries a war: King Trump's war on our personal freedoms, our democracy and our Constitution.  It will take the same level of energy, protest and activism to end this war.

I am regularly heartened when I hear my nostalgic college music at cafes and other establishments near campus.  Their message still applies.

Note:  This post has been altered to stay on point.  Sometimes, our emotions get in the way. 

Indigo Delight

On this cool, cloudy morning at Phillips Lake Park, a trio of indigo buntings brightened the landscape.  Having just returned from Central America or the Caribbean, they were moving about a lakeside meadow and will remain here in Missouri through September.

Other summer residents included a green heron, barn and cliff swallows, three spotted sandpipers, a noisy chat and a lone yellow warbler.  Yet to head north were a large number of white-crowned sparrows, foraging in thickets that line the shore.  An unexpected migrant (though not rare) was an American pipit, wagging its tail as it scoured the edge of a grassy pool.

But the indigo buntings were a special delight.  Though they will be numerous on regional grasslands throughout the summer, this species has always brought back a nostalgic event from my childhood, long before I owned a pair of binoculars or had any concept of birding.

Trump Scraps Climate Report

As reported in the New York Times today, King Trump and his Court have fired all scientists and writers working on the next Climate Report, which is published every few years to document the progression of Global Warming.  His Director of the Office of Management and Budget characterized the report as "alarmist."

Demonstrating both the ignorance and the political approach of the Trump Administration, such a decree plays to the MAGA base while ignoring the significant and justified concerns of most Americans.  No doubt, Trump will once again withdraw from the International Climate Accord as well.

Meanwhile, destructive weather events, rising sea levels and severe droughts plague countries across the globe.  But the King could care less about such disasters, having already cut Federal funding for FEMA.  Concentrating on various sources of personal grift, climate change does not cross his mind; after all, the wealthy are always relatively immune to the effects of both natural and human-induced catastrophes. 

Summer Heat in April

Gusty, south winds will push our afternoon high into the mid 80s F today.  As is usually the case, an approaching cold front is responsible for these southerly winds and the atmosphere will be primed for strong, possibly severe thunderstorms that are expected to arrive tonight.

For now, we'll enjoy an early taste of summer, complete with the recent arrival of summer songbirds.  These have included chimney swifts, eastern kingbirds, house wrens, gray catbirds, yellow warblers and, today, chipping sparrows.

Fortunately, the summer heat will be brief and we will drop back into more seasonable conditions after the storm system moves on to the east.  By late June, many of us will be ready for autumn weather. 

A Free Press must Stand

As King Trump limits access to his news conferences, sues news organizations for perceived unjust coverage and cuts funding to NPR and other public news sources, it is easy to understand his objectives.  He is seeking absolute control of what American citizens hear about the goals and effectiveness of his Administration.  As he has demonstrated, Trump strives to be a dictator.

Fortunately, many of the news organizations are resisting his efforts and defending themselves in court; for the most part, the judicial system has sided with the journalists.  Nevertheless, the recent resignation of the long-standing Executive Producer for 60 Minutes, Bill Owens, is disturbing.

King Trump's bombastic approach is on shaky legal grounds (at best) and his low approval ratings partly reflect his focus on retribution.  Since the Department of Justice is in Trump's pocket, a free press and a Judicial Branch that respects the law are vital to the protection of our Democracy.  Fortunately, even the Supreme Court has begun to recognize that fact. 

The Stone Wall

Giant City State Park is about 8 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois.  This large, attractive Park harbors the same sandstone outcrops that characterize most of the Shawnee Hills but it also protects a Stone Wall (see photo).

Not just something a farmer left behind, the Wall, likely part of a fort, was constructed by members of the Late Woodland culture, which occupied the area from 600-900 AD; excavation of the site began in 2000.  Amidst all the natural beauty, it reminds us that we humans have always been part of nature, whether we now live in big cities or out in the forest.

All of the Illinois State Parks are free to the public and I certainly recommend a visit to this one.  If you go, spend some time at the Stone Wall and connect with humans who had a deeper appreciation of our dependence on the natural world.

New Pope, Same Church

A new Pope will soon be selected for the Catholic Church.  Even if he is relatively young, somewhat liberal and shockingly non-white, the Church will not change.

Based on fear, guilt and the teachings of Jesus Christ, the latter recorded up to a Century after his death, the Catholic Church cannot adapt to modern society.  The rights of women, gays, trans individuals and other marginalized groups do not fit into its cherished traditions.  Science poses inconvenient truths and the Church's long history of child abuse (sexual and otherwise) has never been adequately addressed.

This may be an exciting time for devout Catholics but most of us cannot countenance its past atrocities, ongoing discrimination and overt mysticism. 

Shawnee Hills Highlights

Today, we explored a swath of the Shawnee Hills, southeast of Marion, Illinois.  Rather than describe the adventure in detail, I have decided to offer a few photos that depict the geography of that region.  These landforms reflect the cap of Carboniferous sandstone that lies across the region and the erosive forces that have been active for millions of years (especially during the Pleistocene).

As is usually the case, I enjoyed the journey as much (if not more) as the destinations.  To paraphrase James Taylor, "It's enough to cover ground.  It's enough to be on your way."

Sand Cave:

Jackson Falls:

Fern Clyffe State Park:

Exploring Southwest Illinois

Driving south from Interstate 64 in Southwest Illinois on Route 127, one crosses a rolling landscape of scenic farmlands.  Just south of Murphysboro, this route enters the westernmost portion of Shawnee National Forest, where forested hills characterize the geography.

Today, we headed for the Little Grand Canyon, southwest of Murphysboro.  A National Natural Landmark, this box canyon is 300 feet deep, opening at the edge of the Shawnee Hills uplift.  A "one mile trail" undulates out to the main overlook; unfortunately, since the trees had leafed out, views of the canyon were limited today but a broad view, extending across the Mississippi River lowlands to the river hills of Missouri (photo) was worth the effort. 

After spending the night in Marion, we'll make a circuit to several other geographic highlights in the western portion of the Shawnee National Forest.  A summary of that excursion will be published tomorrow.

Earth Day at Fifty-Five

Fifty-five years after the first Earth Day, its success has been moderate at best.  Though DDT was banned, the use of pesticides and herbicides remains widespread and pollution from plastics has become a much greater problem.

While the push toward green energy and a reduction in coal use are broadly evident, our reliance on fossil fuels has only increased.  Climate change, the result of that reliance, is spawning severe weather events across the globe yet a significant proportion of the human population continues to deny its existence.

Here in the U.S., half of our citizens voted for individuals who ridicule concerns about global warming, who intend to eliminate a wide range of environmental safeguards and who favor reopening protected natural habitat for development.  It is difficult to admit, but the message of Earth Day has been largely ignored by most Americans. 

Storms Revive Eagle Bluffs

Returning to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, I found that three days of intermittent heavy rain had revived the refuge, at least with regard to its appearance.  Shallow water covered most of the channels and sloughs and broad pools filled depressions in the fields.  For the first time in several months, this floodplain preserve looked and smelled like a wetland.

Unfortunately, I cannot report that the avian population has been revived as well.  Canada geese were the only waterfowl observed, less than a dozen shorebirds foraged along the shallows and turkey vultures remained the most conspicuous species; waders were limited to six great blue herons and one great egret.  I did encounter a lone, immature bald eagle and saw my first spotted sandpiper of the year.

Unless storms arrive on a regular schedule, I suspect the refuge will dry out once again.  Hopefully, by the autumn migration, whatever policies have created the desolation will have been reversed. 

Trump abolishes Marine Sanctuary

With the stroke of his quill pen, King Trump has opened the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.  As reported in the New York Times, the 490,000 square-mile preserve, which was established by the George W. Bush Administration and expanded by the Obama Administration, contains hundreds of atolls and seamounts that harbor rich coral beds, vital to the health of the regional marine ecosystem.  The Preserve lies 750 miles west of Hawaii.

Of course, Trump is focused solely on the economic benefits of mass-market fishing, not on the health of the marine environment.  As long as he remains in power, we can expect many more of these sudden and dramatic attacks on conservation programs and protected natural habitat.

Having destroyed our economy, our alliances and our civil rights, he is moving on to Nature herself.  That is a battle he cannot win.  

Thunder in the Night

As a child growing up in Cincinnati, in the Fifties, I enjoyed the rumble of thunder in the night.  Since we did not have air conditioning, we would open the windows at night, allowing cool air from the storm to invade our house.  We didn't seem to worry about severe thunderstorms or tornados, weather phenomena that we associated with the Great Plains.

Now, as our climate warms, almost every storm system spawns severe thunderstorms, destructive winds, torrential rain or tornados.  The most recent storm front arrived just after midnight, bringing intense lightning and heavy rain to our region; fortunately, we escaped the hail and high winds that now lash a corridor from Texas to the Great Lakes.

But the front has stalled and will drift back north late today and tomorrow, enhancing our risk for flooding, severe thunderstorms and tornados.  The energy in Earth's atmosphere has increased significantly since my childhood days and the consequences are readily apparent across the globe.  

What If You Knew?

I recently read The Measure, by Nikki Erlick, a popular and thought-provoking novel in which all humans, aged 22 and over, receive a box on their doorstep, the contents of which reveal their exact remaining lifespan.

The book goes on to explore the ramifications of this knowledge on personal behavior, relationships, society as a whole, politics and military policies, among other aspects of human life.  Of course, some individuals never open their box, fearing its message and/or not wanting the knowledge to govern their remaining days, months or years.  The reader is left to wonder how they might respond to such a development.

As one who has already lived a long life, it is easy for me to say that I would not open my box, choosing to attend one of the rallies in which attendees toss their unopened verdict into a bonfire.  What would you do?  How would you approach life if you knew?  I recommend this book.

 

Stranded Turtles at Eagle Bluffs

Returning to the dried out Conservation Area this morning, I found that almost all of the waders, waterfowl and shorebirds had fled Eagle Bluffs as the shallow pools continue to shrink.  Indeed, sighting highlights, what few there were, involved purely terrestrial species: deer, a northern harrier and a wild turkey, among others.

One sad observation were scattered "bales" of aquatic turtles, clustered along the stagnant pools or half buried in muddy channels, some a long way from any significant body of water.  While they might be able to tolerate periods of drought and are known for their ability to locate ponds or streams, they have just emerged from their winter hibernation and I doubt they have much physical reserve.

The human-imposed drought at Eagle Bluffs has certainly disappointed local birders and regional visitors but our personal welfare has not been threatened.  Seeing those turtles, stranded in the cracked mud, one easily understands the impact that our species has on less adaptable creatures.  Of course, this phenomenon is occurring across the globe as we destroy natural ecosystems and, in the process, threaten our own welfare. 

The Warbler Wave

The arrival of summer and migrant warblers has begun in mid Missouri, ushered in by a steady south breeze.  The latter will bring increasing humidity to our region and periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected over the next four days.

Of the many warblers that pass through this area, a dozen or so will stay for the summer while most head to the Great North Woods or to one of the mountain corridors.  Small, active, insectivores, these travelers pose an identification challenge for most birders (beginners and veterans alike).  Fortunately, some have very distinctive calls but their plumage can be difficult to study as they flit among the trees; those arriving before the trees leaf out are somewhat easier to identify.

The warbler wave will continue through May; by June, avid birders can finally relax and focus on those species that are familiar summer residents. 

Old Birders

As one who has been birding for fifty years, I believe I can make some generalizations about old birders, like myself.  Of course, there are always exceptions.

Having left our glory days of birding in the past, when every other sighting was a new addition to our life list, we now enjoy a more leisurely approach to the pastime.  We no longer go out hunting for new species; we've seen all (or almost all) of the birds that reside in or visit our region.  Rather, we wander our own property or visit nature preserves, hoping to encounter a reasonable number of species but appreciating whatever birds (and other wildlife) that cross our path.

Of course, we welcome surprises as well; these often involve seeing common birds engaging in uncommon behavior.  Just yesterday, on the farmlands east of Columbia, I encountered an osprey, perched in a tree; while there are lakes in the region, his chosen rest stop was surrounded by crop fields.  Even old birders relish such new experiences. 

First Cliff Swallows

Yesterday morning, while birding in the lower Bonne Femme Valley, south of Columbia, I encountered my first cliff swallows of the season.  As usual, they were zooming above the creek and beneath a bridge, under which they will nest.

Having wintered in southern South America, they have completed a lengthy roundtrip migration and it is always good to see them in mid spring.  While the various swallow species are often difficult to distinguish, especially in flight, cliff swallows sport a buff-colored rump; that physical trait and their fondness for bridges usually makes identification easy.

Cliff swallows are most common throughout the western half of the U.S. and Canada with some nesting as far north as Alaska.  They are the famous swallows of San Juan Capistrano, in California; around here, they're just another summer species but are certainly welcome, seasonal additions to the avian fauna. 

Pelicans in a Puddle

On a visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area yesterday morning, I encountered about 40 American white pelicans, crowding a shallow, stagnant pool.  Their stay would surely be brief since, except for an ample supply of dead carp on the mudflats, fish are currently unavailable at the desiccated refuge.

Of course, these travelers will not panic.  Most will summer on the relatively dry landscapes of the Northern Plains and Great Basin, where they often travel many miles to find reliable fishing grounds.  Nevertheless, it was sad to observe their predicament; usually seen gliding across lakes or bays, they could barely get their feet wet.

Let's hope the refuge is in better shape when they visit next autumn.  If not, we birders may just have to settle for observing their spectacular aerial formations as they soar toward the sun.

Free Speech in America

Free speech is endangered in America.  King Trump and his Court are attacking, suing or deporting anyone who defies the basic tenets of MAGA philosophy.  So far, journalists, attorneys and foreign students on visas have been their primary targets but, eventually, we may all be victims of their feverish censorship (even opinionated bloggers).

As our Secretary of Appeasement, Marco Rubio, said, we should all act like dinner guests, content to nod our heads in agreement while praising the King for his wisdom and leadership.  Forget the protests.  Ignore the genocide.  Praise the tariffs.  Don't complain about inflation.  Don't even mention racism or climate change.

Hopefully, most Americans will not buy into this rhetoric or bow to the threats.  Speak up and consider donating to the ACLU. 

Shift Change at Phillips Lake

Here in Missouri, April is a month of avian transition.  By the middle of the month, the last of the winter residents are departing while, throughout the month, summer residents are filtering in.  Evidence of that shift change was evident at Phillips Lake this morning.

Out on the lake were flocks of northern shovelers and ruddy ducks, soon to depart for breeding grounds to our north.  A handful of yellow-rumped warblers (our winter warbler) were feeding in the trees and shrubs that line the shore, fueling up for their journey to Canada.  Meanwhile, tree and northern rough-winged swallows, back from a winter in the south, were strafing the surface of the water and a lone green heron, my first of the season, hunted along the shoreline.  By the end of April, many more summer species will grace the park.

Of course, permanent residents such as cardinals, robins, blue jays and others, tend to dominate the bird population in most Midwestern ecosystems.  One wonders if they take notice of the migrants and seasonal residents that join them in the course of a year; unfortunately, too few humans do. 

The Sound of Silence

One of my daughters recently introduced me to a cover of Paul Simon's The Sound of Silence by Disturbed, a group unknown to this child of the Sixties.  While the iconic original can never be replaced, their version is especially haunting and passionate and I recommend a listen, if not a download.

While a songwriter's message is open to interpretation, I always believed that Simon spoke to America's indifference in the face of social injustice and the smoldering conflict that would become the Vietnam War.  Released in 1964, The Sound of Silence thus seems especially relevant today, as Trump dismantles our Constitution while a corrupt Supreme Court and cowardly Republican Senators fail to act.

We must all speak out in any way that we can; in Paul's words, "silence like a cancer grows."  

A Spring Beauty Bonanza

Amidst the dandelions, wild violets and wild onions that adorn our Columbia lawn each spring are clumps of spring beauty.  This attractive perennial is common in woodlands and on suburban lawns, sometimes appearing as early as February.

Spring beauty overwinters as a corm and spreads by rootlets.  It is in the diet of many mammals and attracts a variety of pollinating insects; humans have long used the corms as a source of food.

But most of us appreciate these flowers primarily for their beauty and we have been granted a bonanza in our backyard this spring.  Conditions must have been just right to produce the impressive bloom. 

Solitude at Eagle Bluffs

On this sunny, cool, April morning, I encountered only one other vehicle at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area; even that distant car seemed to be moving a bit too fast for a birder.  Indeed, as the channel and pools have been drained and as wetland habitat continues to shrink, few waterfowl and shorebirds are stopping by and avid birders have abandoned the refuge in concert.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the solitude and observed 25 avian species, including a barred owl, perched on a metal gate; a pair of bald eagles, two red-tailed hawks and about 60 turkey vultures rounded out the raptors.  Great blue herons and great egrets fed in the shrinking shallows while killdeer and a few lesser yellowlegs scoured the mudflats.  Waterfowl were dominated by green-winged teal, joined by small numbers of gadwall, blue-winged teal and northern shovelers.

I certainly understand the reluctance of many birders to visit the dried-up refuge; there are plenty of other wetland destinations in our region that will be far more "productive."  It is disturbing to observe what has transpired at Eagle Bluffs, especially in April when the floodplain is usually teeming with waterfowl.  Nevertheless, I'll keep stopping by to witness the devastation; besides, the summer songbirds should be arriving soon.  

The Fulcrum of Sorrow

I suspect most humans have endured a significant episode of sorrow in their lives: the early death of a family member or close friend, the failure of a relationship, the loss of a cherished job, among others.  While we try to compartmentalize that event, it stays with us, surfacing consciously or unconsciously throughout our life.

At times, the sorrow might be disabling, robbing us of happiness and masking whatever success we have achieved.  Whether we blame ourselves, others or simple "fate" for the event, it influences our beliefs and our behavior.  Counseling may or may not become necessary but, in either case, the sorrow cannot be completely expunged.

Most of us learn to live learn to live with its effects, buoyed by the many positive experiences of our life, but some succumb to the sadness, turning to substance abuse or worse.  Knowing that sorrow is a common element of the human condition may offer some peace of mind. 

Stationary Misery

For the last two days and for the coming 24 hours (at least), a stationary front has stretched from East Texas to the Upper Ohio Valley, separating cooler air to the north from warm, humid air to the south.  This front is responsible for the swath of tornados, severe thunderstorms and flooding rains that have plagued that region.

While most storm systems move rapidly from west to east, some stall out, their trailing front creating a clash zone between the air masses.  When this happens, secondary storms and their precipitation train above the same swath of geography, producing the unrelenting rain we have seen this week.  Once the soil is saturated, runoff rapidly fills and then floods the rivers and streams, spilling across floodplains and often taking out bridges and riverside structures.

Unfortunately, this flooding often does not peak until the storm system has finally moved on to the east.  As the swollen tributaries empty into larger streams and rivers, the latter continue to rise long after the skies have cleared. 

The King benefits Nature

King Trump is not a naturalist.  He intends to slash environmental regulations and increase fossil fuel production.  He wants to severely reduce protected habitat in this country and to expand "development" wherever possible.  He is all about personal consumption, upscale recreation and a lavish lifestyle.

Yet, the King's rabid use of tariffs may benefit nature.  Individual savings are falling, prices are rising and a trade war is underway.  A tanking economy will greatly diminish corporate investment, personal spending, travel and recreational activity.  In a nutshell, human consumption may greatly fall in this country and across the globe.

Such a reduction in personal consumption is the major way by which all of us can do our part in rescuing the planet.  How ironic that the king of consumption is leading this conservation movement (not that he would admit it). 

Reassured at Eagle Bluffs

Despite the cool, cloudy weather and continued dryness at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, a friend and I were reassured that spring moves on.  Eight great egrets graced the refuge, the first we have encountered this year.

Common summer residents in central Missouri, these stately birds favor shallow lakes and wetlands where they feast on a wide variety of invertebrates, fish, amphibians and small reptiles.  They usually roost and nest in colonies, often in the company of other waders, and, by late summer, begin to gather in large flocks.  Most winter in the Gulf Coast States or along the lower Mississippi Valley.

For now, the egrets are relative loners, scattered about the refuge and lending their beauty to the rather drab, early spring landscape.  For that and for their promise of warmer and more colorful days ahead, we were grateful. 

High Risk Storm Days

In the not-so-distant past, the National Weather Service would issue "High Risk Storm Day" warnings on several days through the spring and summer months.  On such days, the atmosphere is primed for severe weather (tornados, large hail, torrential rain, destructive winds, flooding), triggered by powerful storm systems as they move eastward across the country.  Today is the second warning already issued this year.

Now centered over the upper Midwest, today's storm is relatively slow moving and its trailing cold front is expected to unleash both severe weather and extensive flooding from Arkansas east-northeastward through the Ohio River Valley.  North of the central low, snow will fall from the Northern Plains to the Upper Great Lakes.

As we approach the historic peak of the severe weather season in the American Heartland, it is clear that climate change is augmenting the effect of these storms (not to mention the intensity of hurricanes to our southeast).  Benign storm fronts have been relegated to our past and high risk storm days have become the norm. 

Flashback Post LXIV

March and April tend to be fickle months in the American Heartland, a fact I acknowledged in a post back on April 1, 2012.

See: Fooled by March 

The King's Museum

Determined to rewrite American History, King Trump has ordered that the Smithsonian Institution be cleansed of any displays that reflect poorly on America.  I suspect this might include such events as the Salem witch trials, slavery, anti-war protests, the detention of Japanese Americans during WWII and the relocation of Native American tribes, among many others.

Project Whitewash, a term I suggest, would purify the King's museum and emphasize the fact that only white Christians are true Americans and that racism does not exist in this country.  All "foreigners" will gladly be deported to their homelands.

One suspects our King plans to rename the Smithsonian after himself at some point.  After all, the MAGA movement now defines American culture and Trump is its supreme leader. 

The Myanmar Earthquake

The tragic, 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar this week occurred along fault lines between the Indian and Eurasian Plates.  The former continues to push NNE into the latter, forcing up the Himalayas and producing frequent earthquakes in that area.  Adding to tectonic pressure within that region is the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the southeast portion of the Eurasian Plate.

While these powerful earthquakes seem to have a predilection for impoverished countries, where the houses and buildings do not meet modern codes, this is a false narrative.  That assumption is derived from the fact that much of the planet remains relatively "underdeveloped."  Of course, our brief time on Earth also fosters that conclusion.

Here in the U.S., most quakes have been relatively mild over the past Century but major, destructive events lie ahead, especially along the West Coast (an Active Margin).  We can contribute to relief efforts and, perhaps, improve our quake prediction accuracy but we will never control tectonic activity. 

Floodplain Desert

For the first time in more than twenty years of visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I found that the refuge was nearly devoid of water this morning.  One shallow lake and scattered pools along the central channel offered the only evidence of "wetland habitat."

A modest number of ducks and shorebirds clustered at the oases; blue-winged teal, green-winged teal and northern shovelers dominated the waterfowl while pectoral sandpipers, killdeer and lesser yellowlegs were the only shorebirds I encountered.  Augmenting the feel of a desert landscape, at least 75 turkey vultures perched in the trees or soared above the floodplain; other raptors included four bald eagles, three northern harriers and a lone red-tailed hawk.

Local and visiting birders are surely disappointed by the arid state of the refuge during the heart of the spring migration.  Likely more disturbed are the nesting pair of bald eagles, deprived of the abundant fish and waterfowl that usually inhabit the refuge at this time of year.

Trump attacks our Legal System

Having set our economy on a course toward stagflation, King Trump has now turned his wrath on the legal system.  Long a harsh critic of judges who have ruled against him, he has now threatened law firms that defend individuals or corporations who disagree with his policies.

Just the latest step toward dictatorship, this move has been resisted by many judges and some of the law firms; other firms and a good number of corporations, lacking a moral backbone, seem to be complying with his edicts.

Many warned that Trump's election would threaten our democracy and our personal freedoms.  That is now increasingly clear.  No sense waiting any longer; it is time for a third Impeachment and for Republican Senators to defend law and order in America. 

Dependent Husbands

Throughout my medical career and now as a patient myself, I have seen them hundreds of times: husbands unable to speak for themselves.  Of course, I am not referring to those who are demented or severely handicapped; rather, I speak of husbands who stand by as they are registered by their wife and, later, as she provides his history.

Many might blame the domineering wife, allowing her husband to speak only when given clearance to do so.  But I blame the husbands, having become totally dependent on their wives for what is surely most aspects of their marriage.  One rarely encounters the opposite scenario; in my experience, women are far less likely to give up control.

As a physician, I would often have to intervene, explaining the importance of hearing directly from the individual with the symptoms.  Now, I can only shake my head in quiet disgust, knowing what will soon unfold in the exam room. 

The Skinks Resurface

Yesterday, I heard rustling in the leaves along our Columbia house and suspected that a five-lined skink had resurfaced from its winter burrow following our recent, mild weather.  That suspicion was confirmed this afternoon as a large, male skink scurried across the deck.

While another cold spell may send them back to their burrows, it is time to bulk up on larvae, insects, spiders and fruit if encountered.  As I have reported in the past,  these reptiles frequently visit our compost bin to gnaw on our kitchen waste and to feast on invertebrates drawn to the handouts.

Mating will generally take place in May and the young, with their bright-blue tails, seem to be everywhere by mid summer.  Though harmless, these active creatures tend to spook children (and some adults) since they are a bit snake-like in appearance.  The rest of us just enjoy watching their antics, squeezing through the narrowest crevices in search of prey.  

Calling Peter

This morning, a tufted titmouse called incessantly from our neighbor's tree.  Phonetically described as "Peter-peter-peter," the call is common background noise in the suburbs of the Central and Eastern U.S.

Though very common in that region, this small, attractive songbird is known primarily to birders and to those who put out sunflower feeders or suet.  Their diet consists mostly of insects and larvae but seeds and berries are also consumed, especially during the winter months.

As much as I enjoy having them around, their call can be annoying at times, especially for those of us who like to read outside.  Then again, who am I, a member of the most annoying species on the planet, to complain about their loud, ringing call; it is, after all, purely instinctual. 

Low Water at Eagle Bluffs

On this beautiful, March morning in central Missouri, a friend and I arrived at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area to find that someone had turned off the spigot.  A shallow stream of water occupied the central channel and most side pools were nearly dry.  Only the southern portion of the refuge held a fair amount of water.

Nevertheless, the spring migration was well underway.  Waterfowl were dominated by northern shovelers, blue-winged teal and green-winged teal with lesser numbers of ring-necked ducks, mallards, redheads, northern pintails and a lone American wigeon.  Extensive mudflats had attracted a mix of shorebirds, especially pectoral sandpipers and yellowlegs (lesser and greater).  A flock of American white pelicans lounged on an island and killdeer raced across the mudflats.  Raptors included three bald eagles (two adults at the nest and an immature in flight) and a northern harrier.

The reason for the low water continues to baffle us, especially during the spring migration.  If more water is not released, the turnout of grebes, cormorants, diving ducks, coot, gulls and terns will be significantly diminished this year. 

Descending into Spring

When we left Colorado, yesterday, there were few signs of spring; a slight greening of the "grass," and sprigs of grape hyacinth foliage offered the only color on our Littleton farm.  Heading east following the blizzard on the Great Plains, we arrived at our Columbia, Missouri, home after dark; we had travelled about 700 miles and descended 4700 feet in elevation.

This morning, we awoke to find our magnolias and forsythia in bloom and clumps of bulb plants adorning the yard .  We had clearly descended into the Midwestern spring from the late-winter atmosphere of the Front Range.  As any observant nature buff knows, seasonal change is not merely related to latitude; altitude plays a significant role as well.

Though I had hoped to observe migrant geese, sandhill cranes or American white pelicans on our journey, none appeared in the clear, blue sky.  Tomorrow, I return to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area after a long absence.  A report will follow. 

Delayed by a Blizzard

Having plans to head back to Missouri this morning, we left Denver under cloudy skies with little warning of what would soon change our plans.  By the time we reached the east side of town, flashing highway signs warned that Interstate 70 was closed, all the way to the Kansas border.

A detour to the south was considered, but snow and high winds had also closed Interstate 25 at the Palmer Divide, between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs.  In both cases, the amount of snow was not excessive but the high winds created blinding conditions for drivers.  Counterclockwise winds around another potent storm system, centered over northwest Missouri this morning, were augmented by clockwise winds around high pressure to our north.

Returning to our Littleton farm, we hoped that conditions might improve by afternoon but, as I write this post, sections of I-70 remain closed; indeed, during the peak of the storm, most of the Interstate between Denver and Salina, Kansas, was shut down.  Though we almost always pay close attention to weather on the Great Plains before planning to cross them, we were clueless this morning and will have to delay our journey until tomorrow. 

Late Season Chinooks

Front Range chinooks are comparable to Santa Ana winds in California.  High pressure, west of the Continental Divide, and low pressure east of the mountains combine to produce strong, downsloping winds that heat up as they descend.  These winds are especially strong in the canyons of the Front Range where they may cause damage and trigger wildfires.

During the winter months, chinooks are often responsible for the warm, sunny interludes that characterize this region.  These "snow-eater" winds also rapidly melt snow along the urban corridor, facilitating the clearance of roads and driveways.

Yesterday's chinooks had no snow to remove from Metro Denver but pushed afternoon temperatures into the low 70s F.  If this year is typical, we may need their magic right through April. 

Silencing Truth

King Trump's latest edict is to dismantle the Voice of America, long a source of truth across the globe.  That organization was established to spread democratic philosophy among citizens of autocratic countries.

While our King might explain that this move is just another cost-cutting measure, he, like other would-be dictators, is threatened by freedom and truth.  Trump wants to control the news as much as possible; as we know, he frequently attacks news organizations throughout his own kingdom that question his unbridled authority.

To date, there has been inadequate push back on King Trump's policies.  Democratic politicians seem to be focused on the 2026 midterms but that may be too late to save our democracy, our economy, our international relationships, our rule of law and our social support systems.  This latest move to silence truth should be a clarion call to vigorously oppose Trump before the damage is irreversible. 

Confidence in Sports

Over the next few weeks, many of us will be watching the NCAA basketball tournament and several major PGA tournaments.  We all have our favorite teams and players but come to understand that their success will rely on confidence as much as it does on talent.

Those who participate in sports as individuals (golf, tennis, etc.) often go on long winning or losing streaks; in both cases, confidence (or lack thereof) plays a significant role.  In team sports, confidence (or lack thereof) seems to be contagious, usually triggered by the performance (and mindset) of the star player(s).

Good coaches instill confidence as much as they teach fundamentals and techniques.  But, in the end, confidence is a fragile trait and the outcome of major sporting events tends to reflect its presence or absence.

See also: Advantage: Underdogs   

A Massive Wind Storm

A powerful storm is moving across the Great Plains this afternoon, currently centered over southern Nebraska.  Ahead of the storm's cold front, strong, southwesterly winds are producing blinding dust storms and a high risk of wildfires across the Southern Plains.

Farther east and closer the the storm's center, a line of severe thunderstorms is marching across the Midwest.  Blizzard conditions are expected on the Northern Plains while a high risk of tornados has been issued for the Gulf Coast States and the front pushes eastward.

Such storm systems are common in spring but, once again, their power will continue to intensify as our climate warms.  Here along the Front Range, we are on the back side of the monster storm and downsloping, northwest winds have pushed our afternoon high into the mid 50s F.  Had the storm tracked farther to our south, an upslope snowstorm would be in progress. 

Environmental Injustice

Today, King Trump's EPA Director announced that the Division of Environmental Justice and its many grants will be cancelled.  Established during the Clinton Administration, in the 1990s, this Division worked to ensure that low income communities are not exposed to toxic pollution from nearby industrial plants.

Explaining their decision to eliminate the Division, the Director offered more than the standard cost reduction argument.  He also suggested that the Division has engaged in reverse discrimination, funneling protection to lower income citizens (i.e. persons of color) at the expense of others (white folk).  Once again, the King's agenda is driven by racism and wealth accumulation.

One suspects this is just one of many steps that Trump and his Court will take to dismantle the EPA.  After all, they can't abide tree-hugging liberals, wringing our hands about pollution, habitat loss and climate change. 

Bufflehead City

This morning, on our usual loop through the southern portion of South Platte Park, a friend and I encountered 65 buffleheads, perhaps the largest number I have ever observed at the refuge.  Easily identified by their small size, short bill, distinctive plumage and diving behavior, they are among our more attractive winter ducks.

Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, these "cute" ducks tend to be quite active, scooting across the surface or diving for their meals.  The latter consist primarily of aquatic invertebrates though they sometimes nibble on aquatic vegetation as well.

Our winter guests may linger into mid April but most will be gone by then, heading north to breeding areas in Canada and Alaska.  I wish them a safe journey and look forward to their return next autumn. 

A Walk in the Foothills

On this mild, sunny morning, my wife and I headed up to South Valley Park, in the lower foothills of southwest Metro Denver.  Characterized by open grasslands that stretch along and between outcrops of the Lyons Formation (Permian Period) and the Fountain Formation (Pennsylvanian Period).  A fine network of trails offers scenic views of the Park and of the higher foothills to the west.

Elk often winter in this valley but this morning's mammal sightings were limited to mule deer and rock squirrels.  Scrub jays, spotted towhees and magpies were common and we also encountered blue jays, Steller's jays and a lone red-tailed hawk; prairie falcons may also be observed at this Park, nesting on the higher rock outcrops.

Due to the spectacular scenery, fine trails, interesting wildlife and easy access from the city, this refuge can be crowded, especially on weekends.  I thus recommend an early morning, weekday visit if possible. 

Seasonal Opening in Denver

An extended period of mild weather along the Front Range has finally taken a toll on the ice-covered lakes and open water is attracting waterfowl from the South Platte River where they have spent the winter.  This local shift will soon be followed by an influx of migrants from the south.

Throughout this month, wintering ducks will be joined by horned and pied-billed grebes, common loons and the first wave of double-crested cormorants; American white pelicans, western grebes and summer ducks (such as cinnamon and blue-winged teal) usually arrive by April.  Canada geese, abundant here in winter, decrease throughout March as many return to breeding grounds on the Northern Plains.

Periods of snow and chilly weather will persist through April (and possibly into May) but the parade of seasonal travelers will continue.  Winter ducks and spring migrants often linger into April but, by the end of that month, permanent and summer residents will dominate the scene. 

Donate Blood!

As we go through life, most of us feel the urge to contribute to society as a whole.  Some enter the military or other public service, some become teachers or coaches, some engage in a variety of volunteer services and some focus on donating to charitable organizations.

One choice, open to all who are not too old or ill to participate, is to donate blood.  At some point in our lives, we, or those we care about, may need transfusions due to injuries, the need for surgery or a variety of maladies that impair bone marrow function.

This charitable act can be repeated several times per year at your local Red Cross center.  Your gift will be priceless and the beneficiary, whom you will likely never meet, will be extremely grateful.

What will it Take?

One wonders what King Trump will need to do or say in order to be impeached for a third time.  Openly declaring his support for a Communist dictator while demeaning a Democratic ally would seem to be sufficient but the current Republican Senators seem unfazed.

With every breach of our Constitution and of democratic norms, our King certainly feels more empowered to dismantle American Democracy and move toward autocratic rule.  Unless Republicans develop a moral backbone over the next few years, there may be no Presidential election in 2028.

What if our King openly calls for the arrest or assassination of his political enemies?  What if he sends American troops abroad to expand his kingdom.  What if he keeps cutting funds for medical research, healthcare and vital social services?  Will they act then?  Will our King be impeached and removed from his throne?  One doubts they have the courage. 

The Nature of Friendship

We encounter hundreds, if not thousands, of fellow humans in the course of our lives but relatively few become friends.  During childhood, when we have limited mobility, friends are generally neighbors or school mates.  Later, as a driver's license, employment and advanced education broaden our horizons, we may have friends from across the city, from other regions of the country or from other countries across the globe.

Yet, in all cases, friends tend to be individuals who share our interests, our favored pastimes and our general philosophy of life.  If the friendship does not develop naturally and if we need to work at its survival, it will fade over time.  Of course, today's mobile lifestyle works against long term friendships, which, if sustained, often exist primarily on social media and are reinforced by occasional gatherings.

Nevertheless, friends remain an important part of our lives and, in my opinion, are vital to our overall health.  Unrestrained by the deep-seated, emotional ties of family, they offer companionship, straight-forward feedback and a source of comradery as we face life's challenges.

See also:  Friends & Family and Friendships & Technology  

Months & Seasons

March, like June, September and December, is a month of two seasons.  From a meteorologic (i.e. human) perspective, spring begins on March first while the astronomic (i.e. natural) spring begins on or about March 21 (the spring equinox).

While our distant ancestors paid far more attention to the equinoxes and solstices that mark the beginning of nature's seasons, modern humans have settled on twelve months of variable length that divide our unnatural year.

For that reason, most of March is often more winter-like across central and northern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.  This is especially true at higher elevations; here along the Colorado Front Range, March is the snowiest month of the year even as the first wildflowers add welcome color to the drab winter landscape.  Then again, climate change may eventually abolish our concept of seasons altogether. 

Along the Cache la Poudre River

The Cache la Poudre River rises in the northern portion of Rocky Mountain National Park, descends eastward through a beautiful canyon and rumbles onto the Colorado Piedmont just northwest of Fort Collins.  From that city, a paved hike-bike path follows the river as it flows on to Greeley, beyond which it enters the South Platte.

On this sunny, warm but breezy day, my wife and I explored a few nature preserves along the Cache la Poudre Trail, almost all of which were characterized by floodplain grasslands, riparian woodlands and a number of ponds and lakes; the latter, still mostly frozen, are almost all reclaimed gravel pits.

Earthen trails lead away from the paved hike-bike trail, providing up-close encounters with the various habitats.  As one might imagine, we saw a good variety of waterfowl (including hundreds of Canada geese), flocks of ring-billed gulls, a pair of bald eagles and a northern harrier, in addition to the expected woodpeckers and songbirds. 

First Spring Snowstorm

Just as we were recovering from the most recent blast of Arctic air, snow developed in Metro Denver last evening.  By this morning, a foot of fresh powder coated our Littleton farm.

This upslope snowstorm was typical of those we regularly receive in March and April, fueled by a low pressure center along the Colorado-New Mexico border, which swept moisture toward the Front Range.  In this scenario, heavy snow falls in a relatively short period of time, followed by sunshine and warmer air as winds shift back from the west or southwest.

Indeed, we expect an afternoon high near 40 degrees F today, followed by fifties and sixties over the coming week.  Much of the snow will evaporate in the warm, dry air but some will soak in, a vital, seasonal resource in this semiarid ecosystem.

Climate Change & Arctic Blasts

Recurrent Arctic blasts in North America this year surely have some skeptics doubting the evidence of climate change.  Indeed, the latest polar plunge will affect most of the U.S. this week, an unusual event for late February.

Nevertheless, the global climate is warming, polar ice is melting and the seas are rising.  The incursions of Arctic air merely reflect the position of a gyrating jet stream, producing warm "ridges" and cold "troughs."  As mild air flows northward from the Pacific Ocean, it displaces polar air that slides southward within the trough; of course, storm systems form along these dramatic temperature boundaries, producing the heavy snow, flooding rains and severe thunderstorms that we have witnessed this past week.

Warmer ocean waters and a warming atmosphere fuel both the dramatic jet stream gyrations and the power of the storms that they generate.  Periods of intense heat and severe cold can be expected until advanced global warming grips the entire planet, a scenario we need to prevent. 

Ohio Valley Flooding

The latest winter storm, which dropped a quick 4-5 inches of snow along the Front Range yesterday afternoon, raced eastward and brought flooding rains to eastern Kentucky and much of West Virginia.  Of course, the heavily dissected terrain of the Appalachian Plateau exacerbates flooding along streams in that region.

South of the flooding zone, strong thunderstorms raked the Southeast while, north of the rain belt, an ice storm created havoc from the southern Great Lakes to the Atlantic Coast.  Farther north and behind the storm, heavy snow will fall.

February has long been characterized by flooding in the Ohio Valley.  Heavy precipitation, in various forms, falls on frozen ground, producing rapid runoff and stream flooding.  Climate change will likely augment both the intensity of precipitation and the severity of flooding. 

The Topography of Life

In our youth, we tend to imagine that our life will be a gradual, sometimes rugged climb to success, followed by a slow, pleasant descent that comes with retirement and aging.  Such expectations are rarely met.

Rather, our life often resembles a mountain range, with many peaks and valleys, some of which are beyond our control.  Marriage, the birth of children and grandchildren and success in our business or profession are among the high points while failed relationships, health problems and the death of close friends or family members trigger some of the lows.

While our personal responsibility for the valleys of our life may be limited, we are primarily in charge of the ascents, sometimes with the assistance of others (friends, family, professionals).  Understanding that life is characterized by a series of highs and lows helps us anticipate the setbacks and reinforces the importance of developing supportive relationships early in life.

Flashback Post LXIII

On this guilt-ridden holiday of commercialized love, I have chosen to republish a post from Valentine's Day in 2007.

See:  The Nature of Love 

A Dangerous Fiasco

The confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Heath and Human Services demonstrates the fear that King Trump has instilled in his loyal Republican Senators.  Why else would this unqualified clown and antivax celebrity be installed in this all important position.

Having no personal background in the healthcare industry and no training in medicine, Kennedy will now oversee the FDA, the CDC and the NIH among other health related institutions.  His confirmation is both inexplicable and dangerous.

Then again, RFK Jr. is the perfect jester for King Trump's Court.  He will perform for the King and Americans will suffer the consequences.  Shame on the Republican Senators.