The Demise of College Sports

As the Bowl Games get underway and the College Football Championship unfolds, one suspects that major college sports are threatened by the infusion of big money.  The advent of the portal and the attraction of superstars with huge payouts as they chase national recognition and attempt to improve their draft prospects have eliminated their devotion to any given university.

As a result, fans root for a different mix of players each year and pay more tuition to fund sports facilities that both meet the demands of the major conferences and appeal to the roving superstars.  Of course, many of the players only attend the university for a year or two, entering the professional draft as soon as possible.

It seems more appropriate for these professional prospects to forego college and enter a minor league in which they can demonstrate their skills and draw the attention of scouts.  Universities may resent the loss of prestige and money but can then focus on offering an affordable education to those who truly want it.

Birds, Humans & Winter

It is in winter that we humans tend to admire, pity and envy birds the most.  Unlike mammals, ensconced in fur and often able to escape to a relatively warm burrow, birds endure winter weather in the open, protected by nothing more than their feathers and dense thickets.  No doubt, seed and suet purchases by empathetic humans peak in response.

Then again, we admire those species that stay for the winter, knowing that they could easily depart for warmer climes.  Indeed, we are especially fond of those northern species that favor cold weather, instinctively migrating to our region for the winter months.  But we also envy those birds that utilize their mobility to head to warm environments, never to experience the ice, snow and frigid winds of a Temperate Zone winter.  

Our response to birds that winter in our home region likely corresponds to our personal tolerance of and fondness for the season.

Northeast Boone County

Though we have lived (at least part time) in Columbia, Missouri, for almost 30 years, we had not visited the northeast corner of Boone County until today.  Noting on maps that ranches and farmlands cover most of that region and needing to run our VW Beetle once again, my wife and I decided to finally explore that territory and drove north on route Z from the eastern edge of Columbia.

Of course, I also hoped to encounter flocks of migrant geese and wintering trumpeter swans in that area, knowing that they often settle in fields of crop stubble to feed.  The latter birds, nearly extirpated from the Lower 48 by the 1930s have been successfully reintroduced across the Midwest; though they do not migrate, relatively small flocks of trumpeters do move about the region during the colder months (see Midwest Trumpeters).

Though we enjoyed the drive and the rural scenery, we did not encounter migrant geese or trumpeter swans; Canada geese, red-tailed hawks, kestrels and, of course, large flocks of blackbirds were observed.  Most of all, it was a pleasure to finally explore the northeast corner of our home county;  I will definitely return to witness it's seasonal changes.   

A Snow Goose!

Following two months of failed attempts to locate and observe migrant geese (snow geese and/or greater white-fronted geese) this autumn, including two crossings of the Great Plains, I set out for the farmlands east of Columbia once again, hoping that a flock or two might have settled in the many fields of crop stubble.  But, before I drove more than two miles from our house, I encountered a lone snow goose, flying westward above one of the busiest intersections in Columbia.

Far from the pristine, pastoral experience that I have been seeking, it was nevertheless a rewarding moment during this frustrating migration season.  Though I had theoretically achieved my goal, I pressed on to the farmlands, spending an hour zig-zagging across the scenic, rural landscape.  Alas, no additional migrant geese were observed.

Hopefully, this morning's traveler won't prove to be the only snow goose that I observe this season.  On the other hand, he/she has flown all the way from the Arctic to make an appearance in my home town.  I am (and should be) grateful.

Addendum (12/26/25): A flock of 120 snow geese flew over our neighborhood early this afternoon, heading southwest! 

California's Wet Christmas

As the latest Pacific storm spins off the coast of Northern California, a flow of moisture is moving onshore from San Diego to the Pacific Northwest.  Having already endured several storms, the soil west of the mountain ranges is already saturated and the risk of flash-flooding and mudslides is high, especially in the burn areas.

Once again, the Sierra snowpack will be augmented, a welcome development for the regional water supply but a potential source of river flooding in the spring.

Aggravating this stagnant weather pattern is a dome of high pressure that is producing unseasonably warm weather across most of the U.S.  Here in central Missouri, we reached a high of 67 degrees F today and expect spring-like conditions for another three days.  Merry Christmas to all who celebrate the holiday!

Birding Beneath the Fog

Low clouds and light fog enveloped Columbia throughout this morning and into the early afternoon.  As I headed down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I was thus concerned that the fog would thicken and my viewing would be impaired as I dropped onto the Missouri River floodplain.  Fortunately, the lower fog line was above the refuge elevation and my birding efforts were unaffected.

Recent mild temperatures had cleared most of the ice and waterfowl species were easy to identify in the filtered light.  Mallards and American coot remained the dominant species, joined by northern shovelers and ring-necked ducks. A pair of adult bald eagles perched in their nest tree while a red-tailed hawk, a red-shouldered hawk and a northern harrier hunted on the grasslands.  Migrant geese have yet to arrive in any significant numbers.

In concert with the recovering wetlands and the regular influx of waterfowl, human hunters had returned, their pickups, camouflaged canoes and blinds spaced across the floodplain.  The refuge is now totally back to "normal."

The Winter Solstice

This morning, at 9:03 AM Central Time, the winter solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere.  As a result, this will be the shortest day of the year and, from now until the summer solstice in late June, the day length will gradually increase.

Since almost all life on Earth is dependent on light and heat from the sun, this is the beginning of nature's year across our Hemisphere.  Within a few weeks, we will notice the lengthening sunlight but the low sun angle will negate significant solar heating for a couple of months; during that time, heat waves will develop only when atmospheric conditions allow the movement of air from south to north (or from high to low elevations along mountain ranges).

All of this has nothing to do with the sun itself.  Rather, it reflects the fact that our planet rotates on a tilted axis that causes each Hemisphere to lean toward the sun during the months surrounding its summer solstice and away from the sun during the months surrounding its winter solstice.  Of course, global warming will increase average temperatures during all phases of this annual cycle. 

A New Birding Spot

Avid birders tend to have a modest number of birding locations (perhaps 6-8) that they visit on a regular basis.  Over time, however, some of these destinations become congested with walkers, bikers or vehicle traffic; we thus search for other local birding spots that offer a mix of natural habitat and a reasonable degree of solitude.

This morning, I visited a new spot myself, a 2 mile long country road lined by crop fields, pastures and woodlands; one of the latter stretches along a creek bed.  During my brief tour (just over half an hour), I encountered 11 avian species.  Most of these were common permanent or winter residents but one was a lone short-eared owl, the first I have seen this season.

Unlike most owls, short-ears are often active during the day, hunting in open country from a fencepost or by flying low across a grassland or crop field; they feed primarily on birds and small mammals.  By April, they return to breeding areas throughout the northwest quadrant of the Lower 48 and northward into Canada and Alaska. 

March in December

March arrived in the middle of December this morning.  A steady rain was suddenly joined by strong, southerly winds, raking the barren trees and swirling dead leaves that covered the ground.  The air was relatively warm and low, gray clouds darkened the sky.  An occasional rumble of thunder attested to the atmospheric instability and augmented the feel of an early spring day.

The culprit of this deception was the latest Pacific storm system, then crossing the Northern Plains.  Ahead of its trailing cold front, Gulf of Mexico moisture streamed up from the south while, north of the central low, snow was falling across Southern Canada and the northernmost sections of North Dakota and Minnesota.

By late morning, the front had moved off to the east and a light, northerly wind brought back the feel of a raw, March day.  Chilly air will drop southward behind the storm and December will soon return to the Heartland. 

Empathy & Narcissism

The disgusting comments made by King Trump following the murders of Rob Reiner and his wife should surprise no one.  Though many politicians from both sides of the isle have expressed outrage, Trump was surely pleased by the explosive attention that he received.

A supreme narcissist is incapable of empathy and wants nothing more than to shift the discussion away from his perceived enemies and back onto himself.  Indeed, he even referred to Reiner's liberalism as "Trump Derangement Syndrome." 

Trump has and will disparage anyone who openly criticizes his behavior and policies. In an attempt to boost his self esteem and regain the attention that he "knows he deserves," our King will "throw anyone under the bus," including members of his staff and family.  While Trump's outrageous comments must be openly deplored, the widespread reaction that they inflamed will only fuel similar behavior in the future. 

Flashback Post LXXI

As we approach Christmas and New Year's Day, it is best that we acknowledge that the Holidays may trigger stress and/or depression in many Americans.  A post from December of 2013 offered my thoughts on this matter.

See: Holiday Depression 

A Missing Winter Tenant

Having owned our Littleton, Colorado, farm for 35 years, I have witnessed the arrival and departure of various avian species as the seasons change.  For the most part, their schedule has remained reliably predictable.

One of our regular winter residents has been a Townsend's solitaire, arriving in October and returning to the mountains by mid April.  Of course, based on a reported lifespan of up to seven years, this annual tenant has been represented by five or more individuals.

This winter, the solitaire has yet to arrive, despite an abundant crop of juniper berries on which it feeds.  Though I come and go myself, I have not seen the bird nor heard its distinctive calls since last spring.  Knowing that nature and her cast of characters can be fickle does not diminish my disappointment; hopefully, he/she will have checked in by the time I return.

Pacific Northwest Flooding

A series of Pacific storms have lined up from Hawaii to British Columbia.  The first of these produced widespread flooding across western Washington over the past few days, having directed its "atmospheric river" at that State before coming ashore in Canada.

Following a reprieve today, the second storm will arrive off the Pacific Northwest coast by tomorrow and its atmospheric river is expected to pummel the area once again.  Since its air will be warmer than that of the first storm, it will likely trigger snowmelt across lower elevations of the Cascades, augmenting the severity of the deluge.  Unfortunately, a third storm is currently swirling near Hawaii and, depending on the angle of its attack, may bring flooding rains to western Washington as well.

Guided by the jet stream, such storms are responsible for the relatively mild, moist climate of the Pacific Northwest.  But when the weather pattern fails to shift, recurrent storms direct their cargo of moisture across the same coastal region, producing destructive floods and landslides. 

Aging Philosophers

As we age, most of us become more philosophical.  After all, we have a lifetime of experiences to fuel our thoughts, opinions and beliefs.  Among these are a mix of joy, pain, success, failure, love and heartache, to name but a few.

Many aging philosophers keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves while others, myself included, feel obliged to express them.  What better way to share the human experience?  Our personal view of life may or may not reflect truth but it is our contribution to the ongoing evolution of our species.

At the very least, it seems best to share our philosophy with our children and grandchildren.  Indeed, it is the most enduring gift we have to offer.

The Calls of Winter

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

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

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

The Great Plains Transition

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

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

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

Flashback Post LXX

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

See: Alaska's Collage of Terranes 

Duckland Restored

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

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

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

Open Country Raptors

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

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

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

First Snowy Day

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

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

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