Moisture Arrives

It is a cool, damp, gray day along the Front Range with snow in the mountains and scattered showers across the urban corridor.......just what we need after a warm, sunny winter.  Of course, a foot or two of snow would be even more welcome but we'll take whatever moisture we can get.

This isolated atmospheric disturbance is currently centered over the Colorado-Wyoming border, where some thunderstorms have developed.  Unfortunately, the respite won't last long and sunny, warm weather is forecast for the next couple of days.

March is the snowiest month in Metro Denver and we can only hope that this year's snowfall is at least average.  Then again, entrenched weather patterns often take a while to break down, leading to droughts or floods.  This is, after all, a semi-arid ecosystem even though the sprawling development suggests otherwise. 

The Death of Innocents

As the debate rages on regarding Trump's decision to attack Iran, the focus is on the rationale for war, the potential outcome of the conflict, the widening impact of the war, the effects of the conflict on the American and world economies and the unfortunate deaths of several members of the American military.  There is little or no mention of the deaths of innocent civilians in Iran and in other countries throughout the region.

Yet, a significant number of these deaths have occurred and will surely increase significantly as the war continues.  Of course, as we saw in Gaza, many of the victims are children.  The swift, "clean" attack in Venezuela, in which no American military members were lost, killed at least 200 non-combatants.  The indiscriminate attacks of Russian drones on Ukraine have killed a large number of civilians, many of them children.

While politicians and military leaders direct our attention to the logistics and successes of the conflict, we eventually come to appreciate the tragic death of innocents that always results.  Unfortunately, their welfare is too often ignored during the rush to war. 

Flicker Season

Northern flickers are common residents and visitors on our Littleton farm throughout the year.  But, from mid February through early April, these large woodpeckers are impossible to ignore.

Whether there is two feet of snow on the ground or warm, sunny conditions grace the Front Range urban corridor, they respond to the lengthening daylight and to hormones surging through their bodies.  It is their mating season and their loud, hysterical calls echo across the farm, inviting a response from potential mates.  In concert, they drum on dead tree limbs or, more effectively, on metal downspouts and roof vents, alarming homeowners in the process.

This annual rite of early spring, however loud and unsettling, is a welcome development, especially after a long, cold winter.  Then again, March and April are among the snowiest months along the Front Range and the flicker rituals do not promise any noticeable change in the weather.  

Allies, Negotiations & War

Having survived into the 21st Century, one would think that we humans had learned to resolve our differences peacefully.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.

After breaking ties with most of our historic allies and having made only a half-hearted attempt at negotiations, King Trump has launched an attack on Iran, intent on dislodging the brutal regime of that country (and, of course, gaining access to its oil); Israel is our only co-participant.  Neither Congress nor our historic allies were consulted prior to the attack.

No doubt, Trump wants full credit for what he apparently expects to be a brief and successful campaign.  While few if any countries would mourn the downfall of the Iranian regime, most would surely have favored a unified economic and political effort to achieve that goal.  War should never be the first choice but Trump prefers to bask in the power that he wields.  

A Cackling Crew

Heading out to run a few errands this morning, I encountered a small flock of cackling geese on our property.  Significantly smaller, less noisy and far less aggressive than their larger cousins (Canada geese), cackling geese breed on the Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada and are represented by four subspecies.

Unlike many of the Canadas, they are purely winter residents along the Front Range urban corridor and will soon head back to the Arctic.  On the other hand, they often mingle with their noisy cousins and are usually seen grazing with them on open grasslands or resting on one of our many lakes.

Perhaps this morning's crew needed a bit of solitude and I am pleased that they chose the relative seclusion of our farm.  They seemed unbothered by my presence and are welcome to hang out as long as they wish.  So far from their homeland, their visit is an honor. 

Dust Storm in Denver

Returning to Colorado for the first time in two months, I was greeted by a massive cloud of dust on the eastern edge of Metro Denver.  Strong WNW winds, which had triggered a red-flag warning, were picking up sand, dirt and grit from construction sites and plowed fields in that section of town, reducing visibility to a hundred feet or so.

While I moved into the slow lane and turned on my emergency flashers, others were unfazed by the dense cloud, racing along I-70 as if they have never heard of deadly pile-ups under such conditions.  Fortunately, to my knowledge, no accidents occurred.

Across the southern Metro Area, the winds were less intense, producing crystal-clear air on this sunny, warm day.  Upon reaching our Littleton farm, it was evident that our nearly snowless winter has left behind a dry, brown landscape; hopefully, our usual March and April snowstorms will materialize, offering vital moisture for this semi-arid ecosystem. 

The Final Spiral

 Most humans, at least in countries where health resources and decent nutrition are readily available, live into their sixties without developing life-altering illnesses.  By our seventies, however, disease and injuries occur with increasing frequency.

Once such events develop, their treatment and/or complications often lead to other health problems, an increasing burden on our aging bodies.  This clinical spiral may have a steep or gradual slope but the general course is likely to continue.  Modern drugs, many of which act by modifying our immune system, can produce remarkable benefits but their potential side effects may end up hastening our demise.

Indeed, how and if to treat certain conditions will often come down to a well-informed choice.  The quality of our life becomes an important consideration and the need to address end-of-life matters, including issues such as resuscitation, cannot and should not be ignored.  Clarifying our wishes in advance is a gift to those we leave behind. 

Complicated Pride

Throughout this year's Winter Olympics, there was a great deal of flag waving and cheering for the athletes of one's country.  While this undercurrent of national pride is generally appropriate, its outward expression may be complicated by the behavior and policies of that country's leadership.

This phenomenon was surely experienced by many Americans (fans and athletes) this year.  Proud of the skill, dedication and efforts of those who represented our country, we could not separate that emotion from the recoil induced by the actions and policies of the Trump Administration.  For many, this complicated pride was especially evident during the performance of our National Anthem, which, for some of us, has always been too militaristic.

This mix of pride and discomfort may also affect other aspects of our life, including family, social and business relationships.  Political, religious and philosophical differences often complicate those bonds as well. 

Northeast Blizzard

The storm system that raked the Midwest with tornadoes and dropped heavy snow across the Great Lakes region will move off the Atlantic Coast today, creating a classic Nor'Easter as its counterclockwise winds pull in copious moisture from the ocean.  Up to two feet of snow is expected from New Jersey to Boston and the high winds will produce blizzard conditions.

February is the peak month for Nor'Easters as gyrations in the jet stream trigger the fickle and rapidly changing weather of early spring.  The exact track of the storm determines the impact on coastal cities and the current forecast indicates that this one may be devastating, perhaps shutting down travel throughout the region.

Then again, all the snow and misery will fuel the conviction of the uninformed (and politically motivated) that global warming is a hoax, ignoring the fact that powerful storms and an energized jet stream are fueled by heat.  

February Tornadoes

While tornadoes are not uncommon in February across the Gulf Coast States, they are certainly unusual in the Midwest, where sufficient heat and humidity have historically been rare in the past.  Last evening, however, several tornadoes developed across Illinois and Indiana as a potent cold front swept in from the northwest.

Bloomington, Indiana, appears to have received most of the damage though the tornado watch extended from the Mississippi Valley to central Ohio.  Once again, our warming climate seemed to be at least partly responsible, both for the unusual February warmth and the potent storm that triggered the outbreak.  Now centered over southern Wisconsin, this winter storm is expected to produce heavy snow across the Great Lakes Region and New England.

Here in Missouri, we experienced the strong, northwest winds and dramatic temperature drop behind the front (from the mid 60s F yesterday afternoon to low 20s F this morning) but dodged the tornadic thunderstorms.  Several afternoons in the thirties will remind us that it is still February. 

Health, Politics & Environmentalism

The anti-science fervor of the Trump Administration threatens the health of Americans and the welfare of our natural environment.  Policies that eliminate restrictions on fossil fuel emissions, expand drilling and development within previously protected ecosystems, cutback funding for medical research and reduce support for childhood immunizations are among the most outrageous.

Of course, most of these political moves affect low-income citizens more than wealthy Americans who do not live in industrial areas and are able to benefit from modern medicine without the need for government assistance.

On the other hand, rolling back environmental protection affects the health of all humans and every ecosystem on the planet.  Pollution and climate change are never just local problems.  Vote Democratic in November!   

A Blackbird Spectacle

Yesterday morning, out on the farmlands east of Columbia, I came across a massive flock of blackbirds feeding in corn stubble along a graveled road.  To my surprise, it was only one of several massive flocks that I would encounter.

As I drove past them, the flocks would rise and fall in spectacular aerial displays, partly in response to a pair of northern harriers that were patrolling the fields.  Steady streams of blackbirds passed above my pickup, heading from one field to another.  Over a three mile stretch, I must have seen at least 30,000 of those noisy migrants.

Those close enough to identify from my truck were all Brewer's blackbirds.  This species breeds on the Canadian prairies and southward across the Northern Plains of the U.S; they winter throughout the Southern States and into Mexico.  Permanent populations are found along the West Coast and throughout the Intermountain West but, here in Missouri, they are purely migrants, often traveling in the company of grackles and other blackbird species. 

Local Topography

During my youth in Cincinnati, we lived near a large creek that led westward and downward through forest and then across open farmlands.  Though we often followed it for miles, I remember wondering where it eventually led.

When I grew older and became a bit more sophisticated regarding our local geography, I realized that the creek was one of many that flow into the Mill Creek Valley from the ridges that border it.  But that early curiosity fed a life-long interest in topography and how our modern landscapes came to be.  Indeed, over time, I became increasingly interested in geology and hydrology and cannot travel anywhere without paying attention to the streams and rivers that I cross.

Understanding the local geography also fuels attention to the varied ecosystems that characterize one's city or town and, of course, to the myriad of wild creatures that inhabit them.

See also: Wonderland

Snowpack Rescue

A series of Pacific storms will pummel the Cascades and Sierra Nevada for the next few days and  produce flooding along the West Coast.  Over the next week, the snow is forecast to spread throughout the Intermountain region, including the mountains of Idaho, the Great Basin, the Wasatch Front of Utah and the Rocky Mountain corridor.

Snowfall has been far below normal throughout most of the American West this winter, endangering its varied ecosystems and the water supply of its cities.  These storms are expected to significantly boost the mountain snowpack across that region, a welcome development as we approach March.

Of course, higher elevations of the West can generally expect more snow through the spring and peak snowmelt does not generally begin before mid-late May.  Hopefully, this vital recovery will continue until then. 

Trusting our Intelligence

Were it not for our large brains, we humans would surely have died out long ago.  Not physically equipped to match the speed and strength of African predators, we would never have left that Continent.

As it turned out, our large brains came to the rescue and we eventually spread across the globe.  In concert, the sophistication of our varied cultures increased and the Industrial and Technological Revolutions assured that we would take control of the planet, leading to both good and bad consequences.  Indeed, we may yet facilitate our own extinction.

Throughout this history, intellectual endeavors were challenged by mysticism and political expediency in their various forms.  It is imperative that we trust our intelligence and the scientific method that we learned to utilize in order to survive and thrive.  Modern efforts to ignore or debase science will hasten our demise; unfortunately, we will take most other species with us.

First Spring Storm

The latest Pacific storm, which gathered strength over the Four Corners region, is now spinning in western Kansas.  Ahead of its central zone of low pressure, southerly winds are sweeping Gulf of Mexico moisture northward into the Heartland.  This morning, rain is falling across all of Missouri and is expected to continue throughout the day.

Farther south, where the humidity and temperature are summer-like, thunderstorms are forecast to develop along the cold front.  Indeed, the Gulf Coast States, from Texas to Florida are under a severe thunderstorm watch, including the possibility of large hail and tornados, through the weekend.

Today's chilly rain is more than welcome in Missouri where drought conditions persist despite the heavy snow two weeks ago.  However much we receive will provide a temporary respite since warm, sunny weather is expected for most of the coming week. 

Writers & Artificial Intelligence

In order to "learn" facts and writing style, artificial intelligence "scrapers" have been unleashed across the internet and public blogs are among their most common targets.  Indeed, over the past couple of years, my page views have increased dramatically due to this technologic consumption.

The only means of disrupting this intellectual theft is to privatize your blog, negating its purpose.  While I am not particularly bothered by this development, one might expect some documentation of sources when AI content is produced.

On the other hand, true writers will not use AI to produce their own material.  We must write and our work must reflect our personal knowledge, experience and creativity.  Using technical shortcuts would be unsatisfying and disingenuous.  

Forgoing Luxury

During this era of political dysfunction and reduced funding for both national and international aid programs, it seems appropriate that those of us with the means to do so might redirect our relative wealth from personal spending to the needs of less fortunate populations.

While I am not a socialist, I do believe that we humans need to step up when our government fails to do so; less personal consumption and more philanthropy seems especially appropriate during the reign of King Trump.  Most of us would agree that we can lead perfectly comfortable lives without choosing to purchase "high end products" or take extravagant vacations.

Indeed, the joys of life are rarely related to the money that we spend to experience them.  On the other hand, a commitment to sharing our wealth is always satisfying.

See also:  The Cost of Extravagance 

Aging and Independence

We humans hope to live a long, healthy life but many, perhaps most of us, do not wish to outlive our independence.  Achieving that goal is not always successful due to illness but staying active and adhering to science-based lifestyle recommendations increase our chances.

Attention to visual and hearing deficits is especially important since a safe interaction with our environment and effective communication with our family and friends help to stave off accidents, a common trigger of deteriorating health in older individuals.  Since our ability to absorb essential nutrients diminishes with age, a healthy, well-balanced diet is very important; a daily multivitamin tablet makes sense but most longevity-enhancing supplements, advertised on TV, are of dubious value.

Finally, the importance of acknowledging one's limitations is too often ignored and independence may be threatened by an unwillingness to ask for assistance, especially when facing high-risk tasks.  Pride should never be the cause of an early demise. 

The Prestige Bowl

Today's Super Bowl, in California, is more than the NFL Championship Game.  It is the place to be seen for the wealthy and the well-connected.  No doubt, private jets have already arrived from across the globe.

While tickets are said to average $6000-$7000, celebrities, corporate executives and their guests shell out far more for the suites.  Leading up to the game, we have heard from many of those wealthy individuals, publicly affirming their intention (i.e. qualification) to attend the game and, perhaps more importantly, its social events.

The gladiators themselves are rewarded handsomely for their willingness to risk serious injury and, down the line, chronic traumatic encephalopathy while sports betting services encourage TV viewers to wager their hard-earned money on every aspect of the contest.  Enjoy the Greatest American spectacle!  I will pass.

The Dolomites

Those watching the Winter Olympics from Italy, may have heard that the skiing events are being held in The Dolomites.  This range, in northeast Italy, lies within the Southern Limestone Region of the Alps.

Most of the land that is now Italy became part of Northern Africa when the Tethys Sea opened, some 200 million years ago, separating Europe and Africa.  When that Sea closed, beginning 50 million years ago, Italy was Africa's leading point as it drifted northward and rammed into Europe, lifting the Alps and associated ranges in the process; marine sediments from the Tethys thus form the southern edge of the Alps.  In areas where the sediments were rich in magnesium, the limestone took the form of dolomite (calcium-magnesium-carbonate).

Dolomite is found in many limestone formations across the globe.  Of interest to those of us in Missouri, it is widespread in the Ordovician limestone of the Ozarks.

See also: Italy and Africa and Oil and the Tethys Sea

Flashback Post LXXIII

As the Winter Olympics get underway in Milan, Italy, I have decided to repost my sentiments from August, 2024.

See: Thoughts on the Olympics 

Journalism & Freedom

The founder of the largest book distribution system in the U.S. has reduced staffing at the Washington Post by 30%.  One would think that Jeff Bezos, who began his lucrative career by encouraging Americans to purchase and read books of all genres, would respect the importance of journalism in this highly politicized country and across the globe.

Unfortunately, one suspects that this mass firing is more of a political than a financial move.  Having purchased the paper that brought down Nixon, Bezos, among the most wealthy individuals in America, seems to be reluctant to demonstrate independence during the reign of another corrupt and power-hungry President.

What can be more important than an aggressive free press when our Democracy is threatened and human rights are under attack?  As a vital election approaches, this drastic decision is especially suspect and unfortunate.

Trump & Groundhog Day

Yesterday, Americans were subjected to the silly, annual rites of Groundhog Day.  I suspect most of us are more enamored with the film than the ritual; in that film, a TV weather man (Bill Murray) is forced to relive Groundhog Day until he becomes empathetic and is able to express love.

In modern-day America, we now wake up each morning to learn that Our Dear Leader has released another Presidential order, attacking, suing or degrading one of his presumed enemies or expanding the power of his office.  Trump has not and will not learn from his cruel, selfish behavior.  Extreme narcissism negates a happy ending for him or for our country.

Incapable of kindness, empathy or compassion, Trump will never leave office voluntarily.  A third Impeachment will likely be the only means of putting an end to our ongoing Groundhog Day.   

The Thaw Begins

After two weeks of frigid weather and a period of heavy snow, a thaw has begun in central Missouri.  Though overnight lows may dip below freezing, afternoon highs are expected to gradually climb over the next ten days.

Down at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this afternoon, the amount of open water had increased, attracting a mix of gadwall, mallards, green-winged teal and ring-necked ducks.  Except for a northern harrier and a few members of the sparrow family, bird sightings were otherwise limited.

But the current forecast is reassuring, fortifying my conviction that February should be considered the first month of spring.  The birth of great horned owls, the nesting activity of magpie and crows, the northward migration of geese,  the drumming and hysterical call of flickers, increasing birdsong and the blooming of early bulb plants all signal the gradual change of seasons.  Following the extreme cold in January, the coming thaw will be especially welcome. 

Junco Road

Exploring one of my favored country roads on this sunny, cold morning, I only encountered five avian species.  But one of them, dark-eyed juncos, were especially abundant, foraging on and along the graveled road.

Small but hardy, these "snow birds" often fly up from the weedy borders of country roads as vehicles pass, their white outer tail feathers aiding identification.  This morning, as my pickup crawled past snow-covered fields, they were easy to observe as they scoured the gravel for windblown seed.  Most were of the slate-colored race, joined by some "Oregon juncos."  My conservative count for eBird was 125 along the 3 mile stretch of road.

Unlike our response to encountering large raptors in frigid winter weather, birders and suburbanites tend to pity small songbirds as they face the cold wind and snow.  But one need not worry about the gregarious juncos; they will head back to Canada or to the higher mountains before it gets too warm in the spring. 

One on One

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that I relish periods of solitude.  And, to be completely honest, I'll admit that I much prefer one-on-one interactions over social gatherings.

I find that time and conversation with another individual is much more enjoyable and meaningful than the chaos of parties and crowds, especially when attendees strive to gain attention with their stories of adventure or mishap.

This is not a judgement on my part; no doubt, life would be dull if we were all alike.  On the other hand, those of us who are not groupies are more likely to be criticized for staying in our comfort zone and, as a consequence, may tend to feel antisocial.  I contend that a preference for intimate conversations is not a vice; indeed, in my personal experience, they have been among the highlights of my life.

Defund ICE

There is no greater threat to our Democracy than what is transpiring in Minnesota.  The death of two young Americans at the hands of our own immigration enforcement service and the cruel lies of Trump and his Cabinet members necessitate a dramatic response.

ICE in its current form must be abolished and funding for immigration control must be significantly reduced.  If that requires a government shutdown, then so be it.  We must all be willing to deal with the inconveniences and economic effects of a shutdown if we truly want to put an end to Trump's assault on human rights.

This is not the time to "trim around the edges;" the Republican members of Congress must be forced to take decisive action.  Politics as usual is insufficient and the impeachment of those responsible for this crisis is imperative.

Let there be Light

Having just experienced one of the most severe winter storms in decades, many Americans hope for an "early spring."  While that may or may not seem to occur, relief is already evident in the cold, blue sky.

By late January, the lengthening period of sunlight is noticeable as a higher sun shines down on the snowy landscape.  Most of us would agree that bright sunshine makes cold weather more tolerable and, whether we understand the astronomical cause or not, we welcome the longer days that characterized the original homeland of our species.

No doubt, there will be more winter weather ahead but the sun will "gain strength" as its rays fall more directly on the Northern Hemisphere.  In the words of George Harrison, "Here Comes the Sun."   

Flashback Post LXXII

As the atrocities of the Trump Administration consume our attention and threaten our Democracy, the subject of my posts frequently drift away from Nature.  While she can be a source of comfort during this difficult time, we cannot ignore the fact that governmental policies threaten her welfare as well, a point I made in a post from August of 2023.

See: Politics, Religion & Conservation  

When Governments Kill Their Own

A month ago, King Trump warned the leaders in Iran that their killing of protestors would have severe consequences.  Since then, Trump's Ice thugs have murdered two Americans.

As in Iran, our Government blames the victims, calling them domestic terrorists and declining to investigate the action of those responsible.  Indeed, in Minneapolis, civil rights have been suspended and military rule has displaced democracy.

The solution to this crisis lies with our Senators and Representatives.  They must defund Ice and put an end to the reign of terror that Trump has unleashed.  If not, a National Revolution may soon unfold.

Addendum:  Please excuse my initial typo; only two innocent individuals have been killed (so far), unless we also count those who have died in custody or in foreign prisons. 

Life in Winter

On days like these, with snow falling and afternoon temperatures hovering near zero degrees F, it is easy to believe that nature has shut down.  Barren trees and freeze-dried plants dominate the landscape and hardy birds and mammals appear to be the only survivors.  Compared with the abundant and explosive life of late spring and summer, death and decay seem to dominate the season.

But in the trees, beneath the leaf litter, within the soil and in the bottom muck of ponds, a myriad of life forms await the spring.  The eggs and larvae of invertebrates, the bulbs, seeds and rootlets of plants, the networks of fungi and the hibernating hordes of amphibians, reptiles and mammals are very much alive.

Of course, birds and some mammals depend on this hidden life to fuel their own winter survival.  We humans, relying on the convenience of grocery stores, too often fail to notice. 

A Crippling Winter Storm

If the current forecast is accurate (and they have become increasingly reliable), a major winter storm will move from the Southern Plains to New England and the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days.  A broad swath of snow (north of its track) and ice (to its south) are expected to be crippling in some areas, especially related to travel and power outages.

This morning, a dome of Arctic air is dropping into the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., setting the stage for an atmospheric clash that will trigger the wintry precipitation..  The storm's central zone of low pressure will ride along the leading edge of this dome, sweeping Gulf of Mexico moisture into and above the frigid air. Farther east, the counterclockwise winds will pull in moisture from the Atlantic.

Perhaps the worst effect of the storm will be to magnify the entrenched notion among many Conservatives that global warming is a hoax.  What they do not understand (or prefer not to) is that climate change will augment the power and severity of all weather disturbances, whether they are hurricanes, thunderstorms or snowstorms. 

All the King's Men

Having backed Trump's vicious and inaccurate rhetoric about NATO and European countries, his Cabinet members now look like discarded puppets as Trump suddenly dropped his demands regarding an American takeover of Greenland and has eliminated his threats to impose crippling tariffs on those countries.

The Secretaries of Defense, State, Treasury and Commerce are especially diminished, as are numerous Republican members of Congress who refused to speak up as Trump ridiculed our Allies.  One wonders if they will learn from their international embarrassment or continue to support Trump's outrageous and demented whims.

Meanwhile, despite Trump's reversal, we have lost the trust of our European Allies and will not be able to rebuild it until another Administration takes over in Washington.

Castlewood State Park

The Meramec River rises in the Missouri Ozarks, southeast of Salem, and flows ENE for 218 miles to join the Mississippi in southern Metro St. Louis.  As it approaches that city, Castlewood State Park lines its northern shore, offering trail loops that run along the river, wind through forest and lead up to scenic bluffs that rise above the Meramec.

Today, my wife and I hiked the 2-mile river loop and endured the short but steep climb to overlooks atop the cliffs (photo).  In addition to the beautiful scenery, we encountered an excellent variety of birdlife, including wood ducks, red-tailed hawks, eastern bluebirds and several woodpecker species (among many other woodland songbirds).

Though it is clearly a popular State Park and well worth a visit, signage is absent along roads that lead toward the Park, which is south of Ballwin, Missouri.  We recommend that you consult maps before setting out for Castlewood State Park.

The Anti-MLK

Today we honor Martin Luther King, his life and his legacy.  Cut short by an assassin, his life was dedicated to protecting the rights of all humans, especially those in minority groups.

Now, almost 58 years after his death, America is "led" by a self-indulgent narcissist who could care less about the common man.  Focused on his personal power and consumed by his need for attention, he degrades those who do not worship everything he says or does.  In response, his Administration has condemned adherence to DEI principles and has focused on removing non-whites from positions of authority throughout the Federal government.

Let's hope that Trump is forced from office before civil rights are completely abolished in America. 

Freeze Out

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this afternoon, I found that all water surfaces were frozen and that the thousands of ducks that were present for the past few weeks had moved on; only 16 American coot, huddled on a small island, were present to represent the waterfowl.

Other sightings included a couple of great blue herons, three ring-billed gulls, two red-tailed hawks and an American kestrel, not to mention a large, restless flock of starlings.

We expect a modest warmup this week and then another Arctic front by next weekend; I suspect the ducks will stay south for a while.  Whether we will encounter a significant number of migrant geese at Eagle Bluffs this season remains to be seen.

While Republicans Slept

King Trump has now been in office for one chaotic year.  Having pardoned the January 6 rioters, he moved on to attacking his political enemies; to date, almost all of those lawsuits have been unsuccessful.  He then enacted numerous, arbitrary tariffs on allies and foes alike, producing economic turmoil in the U.S. and across the globe.

Unleashing ICE thugs on Blue States and Cities, he has threatened the welfare of American citizens and trampled on the rights of immigrants.  In recent months, our King has committed war crimes on the high seas, kidnapped the illegitimate President of Venezuela and threatened to invade Greenland and Cuba.  Just in the last few days, he has expressed a willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act and has hinted that the upcoming midterm elections need not be held.

During all of this, the Republican members of Congress (with very few exceptions) have remained silent.  It was not until Trump launched an investigation of the Federal Reserve Chairman that Republicans began to awaken from their political slumber.  Why?  Because that move threatened their personal wealth.  Protecting their own welfare has been their overriding priority. 

Trump's Three Dollar Meals

Countering the mistaken belief that groceries are expensive, King Trump sent out his Agriculture Secretary to report that hundreds of meals can be made for three dollars apiece.  Her example was "a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli and something else."  Of course, one would have to drink water and a dessert would be out of the question.

One doubts that Our Dear Leader will be serving three dollar meals at his 400 million dollar ballroom but, according to recent reports, Trump orders only three items when he visits McDonalds: a Big Mac, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and a Fish Sandwich.

Having cut aid to starving populations across the globe, the Trump Administration has no tolerance for American citizens who complain about grocery prices.  After all, emphasis must be placed on procuring Venezuelan oil, paying thugs to enforce our immigration laws and preparing to invade Greenland.

Birding in Frigid Sunshine

On this sunny but very cold morning in central Missouri, I took my usual drive through the farmlands east of Columbia.  As expected, many birds were clearly sheltered from the chill in thickets and woodlands.

But I did encounter some of the more hardy species along the graveled roads and above or on the broad fields and pastures.  Sixty or more Canada geese had settled on a partially frozen lake, a few flocks of dark-eyed juncos rose from the weedy roadsides as I passed, a large congregation of mourning doves foraged along the edge of a crop field, several American kestrels hunted from power lines, a Cooper's hawk streaked across my path in pursuit of unseen prey and an adult bald eagle soared overhead, oblivious of the frigid conditions.

Protected by the warm confines of my pickup, I admired the tenacity of those open country birds.  Of course, they have evolved to tolerate such conditions and, unlike we humans, are not discouraged by temperature readings or dire weather forecasts.

First Song of Spring

As winter sets in, birdsong nearly disappears, replaced by the harsh calls of crows, magpies and hawks and the hooting of owls.  The mellow tunes of spring are generally not expected for several months.

Over the past few days, however, I have noticed the welcome song of mourning doves, often wafting through the neighborhood before sunrise.  Triggered by the lengthening hours of sunlight, their hopeful tune may seem out of place amidst the harsh winter weather.

But the seasons are a continuum, not defined by dates on the human calendar.  Great horned owls are already nesting and the early bulb plants will push through the chilly soil within a couple of weeks.  The mourning doves do not "know" this but they certainly sense the coming change and are kind enough to spread the news. 

Crow Island

Birding in the Lower Bonne Femme Valley, southwest of Columbia, this morning, I drove out to the Missouri River where bald eagles often roost in large cottonwoods along the banks.  I did not see any eagles but did observe a flock of American crows, crowded on a rock outcrop in the middle of the river.  The exposed rock was only about 10 feet in diameter and I counted 32 crows.

I initially wondered if they spend the night there to avoid predation but doubt that a sizable flock of aggressive crows would be the target of any nocturnal hunter.  Perhaps it was a gathering point before a day of scavenging regional farmlands but, within ten minutes, they headed off in different directions.

Any experienced birder has regularly encountered much larger flocks of crows (especially in winter) but this morning's sighting was, after 50 years of birding, new to me.  Such is the nature of birding and the reason that we are repeatedly drawn into the great outdoors. 

Impersonal Efficiency

As artificial intelligence is utilized by most retail businesses, we consumers are directed to websites, chat boxes and computerized voices for the answers to our questions.  Whether we are refilling a prescription, have questions about a product, scheduling service or hoping to return merchandise, a kind, empathetic human is often hard to find.

Efficiency is king for the retailers, who can cut their human workforce and collect even more data from their customers.  The dehumanization of commerce is underway and will surely only increase.

Meanwhile, the diminishing opportunity for human communication and interaction is blamed for many ills in modern society.  Social gatherings have been replaced by social media encounters.  We must take the initiative ourselves by joining clubs, shopping in person, attending "live events" and by encouraging our family and friends to do the same.

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

There must be hundreds of Lewis & Clark Hiking Trails between St. Louis and the Pacific Northwest, commemorating the excursion of those adventurers.  One of these is an 8 mile loop at Weldon Spring Conservation Area, on the north wall of the Missouri River Valley, in St. Charles County.

We limited our hike today to a 2 mile section of that loop (4 miles roundtrip) that runs along a ridge top to broad views of the Missouri River (see photo).  The large access lot for this trail is on the south side of Missouri 94, a few miles west of Interstate 64.

An additional treat on this road trip was travel along Missouri 94 as we headed westward back to Columbia.  This paved, 2-lane highway jogs between the River Hills and the broad, flat floodplain of the Missouri River, passing river towns, vineyards, wineries, tree farms and ranches en route.  We recommend this scenic road for those wishing to avoid the congestion and monotony of Interstate 70.

See also:  Up River with Lewis & Clark (and the three posts that follow it)  

Winter Rain

During my youth (ages ago), winter rain was characterized by light, cold showers, often mixed with snow.  Any liquid that reached the ground would usually leave a glaze of ice until the weak, winter sun could melt it away.

Now, as our climate warms, spring-like rains, often accompanied by scattered thunderstorms, have become much more common during the winter months.  Indeed, yesterday morning, a storm system centered over western Kansas swept Gulf of Mexico moisture northward across the Heartland, fueling thunderstorms that dropped torrential rain on central Missouri.  Morning temperatures were in the mid 50s F, reaching the low 60's by early afternoon.

Though I enjoy periods of snow during the winter, cold rain and glazed surfaces have never been among my favorite winter features.  I thus must admit that spring-like storm systems, when devoid of destructive winds, are personally preferred while acknowledging that global warming will bring far greater challenges than icy sidewalks.

The Tool of Violence

Yesterday's killing of a peaceful protestor by an Ice Agent in Minneapolis is the latest use of violence by the Trump Administration; their goal is to foment fear and thereby stifle dissent.  Starting with his violent attempt to overthrow the 2020 election, Trump has unleashed a string of threats against his perceived enemies and is now encouraging violent measures to fulfill his deportation goals.

Of course, his capture of President Maduro and his wife resulted in the death of many Venezuelan guards and military members (and who knows how many innocent civilians).  Occurring on the heels of boat strikes that vaportized more than a hundred "drug traffickers," Trump's plan to take over the country will be a long and violent process, resulting in many deaths on both sides.

Our King is now threatening force in other Western Hemisphere countries that do not comply with his Imperialistic goals.  Republicans, abdicating their role of oversight, fear retribution if they speak out against his Administration.  Only a massive blue wave in November will put an end to the ongoing violence.    

Hiking a Secluded Ridge

Having no plans and promised warmer weather yesterday, my wife and I decided to take a hike at a Missouri Conservation Area that we had not yet visited.  Since we have lived in Columbia for 28 years, that self-imposed criteria took us one hour east of town to Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, southeast of Jonesburg.

Draped across the Little Lost Creek gorge on the north wall of the Missouri River Valley, its trails run atop ridges and along the streams.  Alone at the refuge, we chose a ridge top trail in its southeast quadrant which offered pleasing views along its course (photo).  Joined only by an occasional woodpecker and a flock of juncos, we enjoyed a two-mile roundtrip hike.

Conservation Areas, lacking the amenities of State Parks, offer relative solitude and tranquility.  Unless hunting season is underway, they are recommended destinations for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

An Owl in a Box

One of the highlights at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area over the past few months has been the sighting of an eastern screech owl in one of the wood duck boxes.  Common in woodlands throughout the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., these small owls roost and nest in tree cavities or, as in this case, in man-made boxes.

These tiny but aggressive raptors feed on a wide variety of prey, including large insects, amphibians, reptiles, songbirds and small mammals.  They mate for life and generally raise 4-5 young each year.  Though often residents of wooded suburbs, screech owls usually go unnoticed until their eerie calls are heard at dusk.

Yesterday, I was among several birders to pull up across from the nest box at Eagle Bluffs.  The reddish occupant was basking in the sun at the box entrance, a common screech owl practice on cold winter days. 

The Dictator Club

King Trump, without the approval of Congress, attacked Venezuela and captured President Maduro and his wife last night.  Though Maduro has been an illegitimate leader, backed by a powerful militia and citizen gangs, the reason for his capture remains uncertain.

While Maduro has been indicted as a drug trafficker, Trump recently pardoned the former President of Honduras, convicted of bringing tons of cocaine into our country.  Perhaps our Dear Leader wants control of Venezuela's massive oil reserve, though a glut of crude across the globe has dropped its price near an all time low.  Perhaps it was just a power move to shore up his own international image.

After all, King Trump loves dictators; Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un are among his buddies. He admires their power and hopes to match their unchallenged rule.  Maduro may end up in a U.S. prison but the Venezuelan dictatorship will likely endure.  Of more concern to Americans is whether we are headed toward a dictatorship as well. 

Addendum (1/3/26):  Wasting no time and complicating his impulsive show of force, King Trump has announced that the U.S. will now run Venezuela.  Maybe he'll get the Nobel Peace Prize after all!   

Medical Advice

Though I retired more than 10 years ago, I did not cancel my MD license for another five years or so.  It was at that point that I determined I was not keeping up with the latest developments in medicine and had no business treating patients.

On the other hand, my training and practice experience allows me to offer general medical advice to family and friends, primarily related to healthy lifestyle practices, the potential significance of symptoms that they might have and whom they should consult for their medical evaluation.  I am also compelled to intervene in medical emergencies that I might come across.

But my most urgent advice to the general public is to trust their physician for medical prevention and treatment recommendations, not an untrained, conspiracy-minded, political hack who is running our Department of Health & Human Services and derailing medical research.  His advice is both worthless and dangerous.  RFK Jr. and those who willingly placed him in office should be prosecuted for endangering the current and future health of the American public.  Let's hope he is also impeached once the coming Blue Wave restores the integrity of Congress. 

A Circuit of Mystery

Today, per our human calendar, we begin another revolution around Mother Sun.  On average, we can expect to make about 80 circuits during the course of our life, though, as we know, many die well before that period is achieved.

As we begin the year, its course is a mystery and some of us may not be around to witness its end.  We may encounter wonderful opportunities or an unexpected tragedy.  We may meet individuals who complicate our life or someone who enriches it.  We may fall in love or experience the onset of an enduring heartache.

Of course, it is how we deal with such gifts and challenges that determines the course of this year and those that may or may not follow.  Best wishes for a happy and rewarding 2026.