Advice for the Democratic Party

Though I am a registered Independent, I lean heavily Democratic when it comes to environmental and social justice issues.  As is clearly evident in many of my posts, I despise almost everything suggested or enacted by King Trump and his faithful Cabinet.

Sensing my political philosophy, likely via my donations and memberships, I am deluged with texts and emails from prospective Democratic candidates and Democratic pundits.  Needless to say, they will have no effect on my future actions and, if anything, serve to diminish my respect for the American political process.

The Democratic Party would be better served by having thoughtful, well-spoken candidates and representatives appear on as many news programs, TV talk shows and podcasts as possible; twenty-four hour speeches are not likely to be effective.  Community town halls will also become very important as we approach next year's midterms.  Of course, for the rest of us, financial support for the ACLU, PBS and relief and conservation organizations will serve to expose the dangerous policies of the Trump Administration. 

EPA Chief ridicules Climate Change

King Trump's EPA Chief, Lee Zeldin, plans to "put a dagger through the heart of the climate change myth."  This disturbing admission is not surprising since he has already rolled back most environmental protection programs during his first six months of service.

In line with most of the King's Court, Zeldin is not interested in science.  He joins those who have cut back funding for medical research, weather forecasting, education, space exploration and other vital programs.  These incompetent stooges care only about serving our King and carrying out his wishes.

One wonders if Secretary Zeldin has grandchildren.  Does he not care about their future welfare or will it be enough to leave them a handsome inheritance?  Their home planet be damned.

  

Trump & Treason

Yesterday, King Trump and his Secretary of Homeland Security accused former President Obama of treason, since he reported in 2016 that Russia made efforts to influence the election.  The bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, chaired by Marco Rubio (Trump's current Secretary of State) had also confirmed those findings.

Attempting to deflect attention from the Epstein saga, Trump has reached a new and dangerous low in his drive toward dictatorship.  Of course, he did not mention his own seditious activity, having tried to overthrow the 2020 election and fomenting an attack on the Capital.

We will see how Rubio responds to this outrageous development; no doubt, few if any Republican Congress members will have anything to say.  One hopes that the severity of this accusation may draw George W. Bush from his den; renowned for standing atop the 911 debris in 2001, he must show some courage once again.  Silence will destroy our Democracy. 

Our Avian Alarm Clock

Here on our Littleton, Colorado, farm, one does not need an alarm clock.  Our resident spotted towhees begin calling at the first light of dawn, often right outside our bedroom window.  Unfortunately, in mid summer, that is usually about 5 AM.

I challenge anyone to keep sleeping when a towhee is delivering its loud, ringing call a few feet away.  You might as well heed its not-so-subtle suggestion and get an early start on the day.

We have a family of spotted towhees on the farm and their calls do not end with the sunrise.  Indeed, they are our most vocal residents at any time of day.  Should we decide to retire at sunset, they will sing us to sleep as well. 

Simplicity & Truth

Our understanding of anything in the Universe, from stars to genes, reflects the complexity of our knowledge.  Of course, this includes ourself, our relationships, our career choice and our knowledge of Nature, herself.

When one says that "it's simple," we can be assured that they have a very limited understanding of the subject.  The more complex our knowledge of something or someone, the closer we are to the truth.

The scientific method is our path toward truth.  Mysticism, on the other hand, mires us in simplicity. 

The King's Bonfire

Having dramatically cut back funding to USAID, King Trump faced a dilemma.  Tons of food, intended for starving populations across the globe, were building up at the ports and rotting in the sun.  His Administration's solution, according to The Atlantic, was to burn 500 tons of the food.

For a man who doesn't appear to skip any meals, that was an especially egregious move by Our Dear Leader.  The food, donated by American taxpayers, had cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and it is estimated that it would have been enough to prevent 3 million deaths from malnutrition over the next year.

No doubt, since the food would have gone to persons of color, the decision was much easier for our King and his loyal servants. 

Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

Covering 72.2 acres, the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, in Arvada, Colorado, is the smallest urban unit of the NWR system.  Nevertheless, it offers a pleasing mix of wetland and grassland habitat.

On this cool, foggy morning in northwest Metro Denver, my wife and I visited the refuge.  The eastern portion, accessed from W. 80th Ave., offers two loops around and near ponds and swaths of marsh.  The larger western section is primarily grassland, bordered by groves of trees;  it is best reached from West 77th Ave.  Despite the overcast, we encountered a good mix of wetland and grassland birds, highlighted by a Cooper's hawk and a snowy egret.

Founded in 1992, Two Ponds NWR is managed as a unit of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR.  We recommend a visit.  

Back at Denver's NWR

On this beautiful morning along the Colorado Front Range, my wife and I visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR in northeast Metro Denver.  Once an Army base and munitions depot, it is now a 15,000 acre expanse of prairie, woodlands and lakes.

On our first visit in more than a decade, we hiked around marsh-lined Lake Mary and along a tree-lined portion of Lake Ladora.  Though the refuge is renowned for its bison, bald eagles, black-footed ferrets and burrowing owls, our sightings today were limited to Canada geese, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans, belted kingfishers and a host of common songbirds.  Unfortunately, the 11-mile Wildlife Drive was closed today due to road work.

The Refuge is best reached from the intersection of Quebec Pkwy and 56th Avenue.  Drive north on Quebec Pkwy, turn right (east) on Prairie Pkwy and then left on Gateway Rd. which enters the refuge near the Visitor Center.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, except on major holidays.  In addition to the Wildlife Drive, 20 miles of footpaths wind through southern portions of the refuge.  

Bullies

Bullies are individuals who use fear and intimidation to make themselves feel more powerful.  King Trump is a bully.

His endless decrees attacking all perceived enemies, including Senators and Congressmen, judges, economists (including the Federal Reserve Chairman), educators, corporate executives, foreign countries and journalists are designed to influence their behavior and to feed his narcissistic personality.  To date, there has been far too little resistance and his bullying continues.

Indeed, though one finds Trump's behavior outrageous, one might blame much of it on his psychological problems.  Most of the blame should, in my opinion, fall on those who condone, justify, support or cave-in to his demands.  Until such individuals and groups have the backbone to stand up to Trump's bullying, his sense of omnipotence will only grow and his reckless policies will continue to degrade our Democracy. 

On the Scottish Coast

Once again, the PGA Tour has taken viewers to an interesting geographic area.  This week, it is the Genesis Scottish Open, on the southern coast of the Firth of Forth, east of Edinburgh.

Today's third round is being played under sunny skies and CBS peppers its coverage with views of the rocky coastline, the Firth of Forth and the Highlands beyond.  While I certainly enjoy watching the match itself, the chance to encounter new and scenic geography is a special feature of the Tour.

My wife and I were fortunate to visit Scotland in 2019 and explored most of the country, including Edinburgh.  But we did not get out to the peninsula where this week's match is being held and I appreciate the geographic perspective.  More than any other televised sport, golf takes us to landscapes across the globe. 

Freedom and the Young

Having come of age during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War Protests, I know that younger generations of Americans were instrumental to the success of those political upheavals.  Today, as King Trump and his loyal Congress threaten personal rights and the welfare of our planet, it will be up to young Americans to turn the tide.

Non-violent protests, boycotts, massive voter turnouts and relatively young, energetic candidates must all play a role.  Personal freedoms, global cooperation, conservation and the threats of climate change seem to be the primary issues but the overall effort must be directed at the protection of our Democracy and Constitution.

The widespread protests on No Kings Day were heartening but the commitment to dislodge Trump and his loyalists cannot fade.  Otherwise, we are headed toward a dictatorship that could alter the fabric of life in America for decades to come.  It will be today's younger generations that have the most to lose. 

Raccoon at Noon

Sitting in the shade on our Littleton, Colorado, farm, I was surprised to see a raccoon wandering about our backyard.  Since they are primarily nocturnal, I generally encounter raccoons very early or late in the day or am awakened at night by their squabbling.  To see a raccoon just before noon on a hot, sunny day was thus unusual.

Raccoons do tend to be solitary creatures for most of the year though they may gather in small same-sex groups.  Mating occurs from January to March and a litter of 2-5 kits is typical.  The mother and her offspring disperse by late summer and at least half of the kits will be dead within a year, usually succumbing to starvation, predation or automobiles.  Adults rarely live longer than three years in the wild.

Our solitary visitor seemed to have emerged from the barn, beneath which he is likely denning.  Due to their poor long-distance eyesight, he did not take notice of my presence as he scoured the shrub line and "lawn" for fruit, various invertebrates or mice.  Once he disappeared into our "wild corner," consisting of a compost bin, a brush pile and overgrown vegetation, I went inside to let him hunt in peace. 

Trump and Texas

As the tragic flooding and loss of life continue to unfold in central Texas, King Trump has released Federal aid for the search, rescue and relief efforts.  Of course, this follows his decision to cut funding for FEMA, the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

While the latter organizations are vital to the forecasting of severe weather events and to the recovery from their effects, Trump thinks they are a waste of Federal money; in his opinion, States have the resources to manage their own disasters.  Then came Texas, a wealthy Red State that immediately requested Federal assistance.

King Trump is not fond of science-based policies, cutting funds for medical research and other vital programs.  One hates to be cynical in the face of an unfolding disaster, but one wonders if Trump will be as responsive to Blue State disasters.  After all, he is all about political power; his empathy rating is zero. 

Tropical Storm Chantal

Having formed off the Georgia coast, Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to make landfall in South Carolina by tomorrow morning.  Since it is not a hurricane, it may not be taken as seriously as it should.

Heavy rain is expected to fall across coastal and near-inland areas of the Carolinas and coastal flooding from wind-driven waves and storm surge is forecast for North Carolina.  The risk of inland flooding may also extend into the Mid-Atlantic Region.

As we have seen with this weekend's tragic flooding in central Texas, it is increasingly difficult to predict regional rainfall.  Established models do not apply as our climate warms and those who minimize the potential effects of Chantal do so at their own risk. 

Flooding in Central Texas

An isolated and stationary storm system has brought torrential rain to Central Texas overnight.  The Hill Country and adjacent areas have experienced extensive flooding and the Guadelupe River Valley has been especially hard hit.  Unfortunately, the system is not expected to dissipate until this evening.

Though not associated with a potent storm front, this low pressure center has drawn in moisture from the humid air that surrounds it.  And, unlike tropical storms and hurricanes, strong winds and tornados have not been a feature.

Rather, this destructive storm system is just the latest evidence that our warming climate will produce saturated air, augmenting either rainfall or snowfall, depending on the season and location.  Perhaps this event will get Governor Abbott's attention, a Trump devotee and climate change denier.

Update 7/11/25: At least 129 persons have been killed and at least 150 remain missing. 

The Missouri-Mississippi Divide

Driving across northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa earlier this week, I crossed a number of small rivers flowing westward toward the Missouri River.  As is often the case, I wondered where they arose and came to suspect that it must be along the Missouri-Mississippi Divide.

Though far less spectacular than the high divides of the American West, this divide separates the watersheds of rivers flowing into the Missouri River from those flowing more directly toward the Mississippi.  This line of high ground cuts across the southwestern corner of Minnesota and then runs south through western Iowa.  Before reaching Missouri, the divide curves eastward across southern Iowa and then dips south and east through northeast Missouri, ending at the junction of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, just north of St. Louis.  The southern portion of this divide passes through St. Louis and then runs south through southeastern Missouri where it eventually intersects the watershed of the Arkansas River (see The Missouri-Arkansas Divide).

This hydrologic description may be of no interest to many readers but geography buffs, such as myself, want to understand the terrain through which we travel.  After all, in concert with tectonic forces and the underlying geology, rivers have sculpted those landscapes. 

Trump's New Florida Property

Desperate for more space to detain "criminal" immigrants, King Trump has accepted Governor Ron DeSantis' offer to develop a facility at an old airfield in the Florida Everglades.  No doubt, it will lack the posh amenities offered at Mar-a-Lago.

The tent city, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is expected to have air conditioning units but, to my knowledge, no pool is planned.  One wonders how it will fare if struck by a tropical storm or hurricane.

Opposed by conservationists, regional Native Americans and human rights organizations, the property's location is hailed as offering ideal security, bordered by many miles of swampland, teaming with alligators, pythons, panthers and biting insects.  I doubt Trump will spend much time there.

Addendum (7/4/25): A strong thunderstorm (not a tropical storm or hurricane) has already flooded parts of the facility.

Steady State at Eagle Bluffs

As lightning flashed to our south, a friend and I entered Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this morning.  The cloudy, mild conditions were welcome after another period of intense heat.

Across the floodplain refuge, little had changed since last week.  Ample water remained in the central channel and several pools still broke the verdant landscape.  Nevertheless, waders, limited to great egrets and great blue herons had decreased in number.  A lone bald eagle surveyed the watery terrain from a dead snag but there were no waterfowl and perhaps not enough fish to keep him around.  Once again, indigo buntings and dickcissels dominated the songbird population though a large flock of mourning doves had gathered on power lines along the entry road.  In all, 23 avian species were encountered during our 90 minute visit.

It appears, for now, that the Conservation Area has reached a steady state for the summer, relying on intermittent thunderstorms to replenish its water supply.  Flow from the city sewage lines has not yet resumed and our patience may be tested for some time.  But we'll keep stopping by. 

Flashback Post LXVIII

As billionaires and wealthy celebrities gather in Venice, Italy, to celebrate the second wedding of Jeff Bezos, the outrageous extravagance has triggered protests in that city, echoing sentiments that I expressed in April of 2013.

See: The Cost of Extravagance 

Summer Slowdown

Ask naturalists to rank the seasons by their level of interest and most would place summer last on the list.  Of course, there are exceptions, especially for those focused on insects, amphibians and reptiles, and, to be honest, each season offers its special rewards when it comes to flora and weather.

But summer induces a general slowdown for most species of wildlife as the midday heat suppresses activity.  The mating and nesting seasons are over, there are no migrants passing through and the abundance of food diminishes the need to forage any significant distance.  Furthermore, many birds and mammals limit their excursions to the early morning and evening hours.

Late summer does bring an influx of avian wanderers and the first substantial wave of migrants (especially shorebirds) but that seems far off as we endure the summer heat.  Facing a longer summer season as our climate warms, we best learn to enjoy it. 

Heat & Energy

During the ongoing heat wave, which has affected most States east of the Rockies, there has been a great deal of political chatter.  Most Democrats, concerned about the threats imposed by climate change, point to the extreme weather as strong evidence that we must enact policies to mitigate global warming.

Most Republicans, on the other hand, place emphasis on the stress to our energy grid, arguing for more natural gas production and even suggesting that coal-fueled plants be fired up.  They prefer to ignore climate change and are inclined to belittle the value of green energy sources.  Indeed, the Trump Administration has cut Federal subsidies for electric vehicles, wind farms and solar energy production.

It is an ecologic vs. economic political confrontation.  Ample evidence indicates that the burning of fossil fuels is responsible for global warming and its many complications.  To ignore that fact and to focus solely on increasing energy production via their use is a disturbing and potentially disastrous choice. 

Governing by Impulse

King Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites is just the latest example of his impulsive style.  Not bothering to consider details or trust perceived enemies, he ignored the input of his own Intelligence Service and failed to consult Congress.

Though proud of his ability to make deals, his reign has been marked by failures to date.  The Ukraine War rages on, his tariffs have produced few positive results and his use of the military to quell protests has enraged American citizens.  Relying on the adoration of the MAGA faithful, he must now deal with harsh criticism from that group who despise involvement in any foreign conflicts.

Ignorant of history and inclined to ignore rules, our King governs by impulse, trusting his gut more than the facts.  His latest decision may just produce a host of tragic consequences. 

Water Returns to Eagle Bluffs

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this am, before the mid-day heat developed, a friend and I were pleased (more like ecstatic) to find a significant amount of water in the central channel and some of the pools.  Whether this was a result of recent heavy rains or a purposeful recovery, initiated by refuge managers, is uncertain but the results were surely satisfying.

Only a modest number of great egrets and great blue herons had returned to take advantage of the watery landscape but just the sight of shimmering shallows was enough for us.  Of course, there was, as always, a nice diversity of songbirds (about 20 species encountered this morning) and an escape to uncrowded, natural terrain never disappoints.

We certainly hope that the recovery will continue but, if this change was weather-induced, it may soon fade in the wake of the intense heat wave this weekend.  Time will tell and my reports will continue. 

Through the Heat Dome

A broad atmospheric ridge extends across most of the Central U.S., allowing hot air to stream northward.  In addition, within this high pressure dome, the air is sinking, further enhancing its heat.  On the positive side, thunderstorms cannot develop within the dome and travelers on the Great Plains need not fear the severe weather that recently pummeled the region.

Leaving Denver this morning, the temperature was in the mid 70s F; by the time we were thirty miles east of the city, it was 90 degrees F.  The temperature gradually rose as we headed east, buffeted by strong, southwesterly winds.  We finally hit 100 degrees F in Quinter, Kansas, and will spend the night in Hays.

As we continue eastward tomorrow, the heat dome will expand in concert.  By the time we reach Missouri, it will stretch from the Rockies to the Midwest and will encompass the Eastern States by later in the weekend.  This first, major heat wave of the summer is but a taste of a very warm future throughout our country and across the globe.  Happy Summer Solstice tomorrow!  

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.