Sandstone & Pines

Two nature preserves in the eastern section of The St. Francois Mountains are notable for their exposures of Lamotte sandstone.  Deposited during the Cambrian Period, about 500 million years ago, it is among the oldest sedimentary rocks in Missouri.

At the Pickle Springs Natural Area, east of Farmington, visitors walk on, along and through exposures of Lamotte sandstone (see photo) on a two-mile loop trail.

Farther east, Hawn State Park also lies atop this sandstone and the sandy soil that it generates appeals to native shortleaf pines.  Indeed, this Park is one of the few in Missouri to actively protect stands of these stately trees (see photo), including through the use of controlled burns. 

Hughes Mountain Natural Area

Our first (and hopefully our most strenuous) hike in the St. Francois Mountains was at Hughes Mountain Natural Area, on Route M, southwest of Irondale.  The roundtrip hike was approximately two miles in length and the elevation gain was 380 feet.  While neither stat seems terribly remarkable, there were a number of steep, uneven sections along the way and, after all, we are not youngsters.

On the other hand, we were rewarded with fabulous views from rock outcrops along the route and especially from the broad clearing atop the mountain (see photo).  Precambrian rhyolite dominated those rock exposures.

The journey to Hughes Mountain was rewarding as well.  Our route climbed through forested hill country, studded with attractive homesteads and ranches.  Of course, the small town residents offered their own flavor of backcountry life.  

A Day in Ste. Genevieve

After slogging through heavy rain in St. Louis yesterday, we drove another hour south to Ste. Genevieve, on the Mississippi River floodplain.  Founded by French settlers in 1740, the town had to be moved three miles upstream in 1785 due to severe flooding along the river.

Nevertheless, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest, continuously inhabited town in Missouri and is home to the largest concentration of French Colonial Architecture in the country.  A fine museum introduces visitors to the history of French settlement and the historic section of town offers a pleasing mix of galleries, restaurants, retail establishments, hotels and B&Bs for visitors.  Indeed, we are staying in the Audubon Hotel, named after the famous naturalist who, with a colleague, ran a mercantile store in St. Genevieve in the early 1800s.

The Ste. Genevieve Levee National Wildlife Refuge runs along the Mississippi River floodplain east of the city but trails, other than the levee trail, are not well established at this point.  Today, we'll head into the St. Francois Mountains; details to follow.

 

The St. Francois Mountains

Over the next few days, my wife and I will explore the St. Francois Mountains, in southeast Missouri, eroded from an ancient Precambrian dome of volcanic and intrusive rocks.  Almost 1.5 billion years old, this dome pushed up through the strata of the Ozark Plateau during the Ouachita Orogeny (about 300 million years ago). 

Known for their scenic outcrops of granite and for their rich supply of lead, these Mountains host five Missouri State Parks and are drained by the St. Francis River and its tributaries; this river flows southward into northeast Arkansas before joining the Mississippi north of Helena.  Taum Sauk Mountain, elevation 1772 feet, is both the highest peak in the St. Francois Mountains and the highest point in Missouri.

We will be staying in Ste. Genevieve on the Mississippi River and our adventures will be documented in the next few blog posts.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate.

A Melanistic Cottontail

While melanistic (black) eastern gray squirrels dominate the squirrel population in some regions of this country, especially near the Great Lakes, melanistic eastern cottontails are rare genetic variants.  Indeed, until this morning, I had never seen one despite more than sixty years of exploring natural habitats.

Driving into Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I saw a black rabbit near the side of the road that scurried into the dense vegetation as I approached.  Though escaped or released domestic rabbits account for most black rabbits encountered in America, they retain their docile behavior and are rapidly culled by predators.  This morning's cottontail had the lean figure of a wild rabbit and clearly sensed danger from my advancing pickup.

I hoped the black cottontail might re-emerge for photographic documentation but I gave up after ten minutes or so.  Accepting the fact that I had just witnessed yet another example of nature's fabulous diversity, I moved on.  

The Central American Gyre

From May to June and from September to November, a large, relatively weak zone of low pressure settles over Central America, coinciding with the rainy seasons in that region.  Of little consequence itself, this gyre may interact with tropical waves arriving from the Caribbean or from the South Pacific.

This interaction may produce tropical depressions which, under the right conditions, may develop into tropical storms.  Of course, if wind shear does not intervene, these storms may then become hurricanes, either in the Gulf of Mexico or along the west coast of Central America.

This meteorological sequence is often responsible for Gulf of Mexico tropical storms and hurricanes that develop early and late in the Atlantic Hurricane Season (June to November).  Typically, a tropical depression develops in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and moves northward; if high pressure has settled over the Gulf, suppressing wind shear, the depression becomes a tropical storm or hurricane as it moves across the warm Gulf waters.  According to current forecasts, such a development may occur later this week.  

Prairie Dog Ghettos

During my childhood in Cincinnati, I would often watch nature shows that took the viewer to pristine ecosystems across the country and around the globe.  As I recall, one of these destinations was the vast, shortgrass prairie of the Western U.S., inhabited by bison, pronghorn, rattlesnakes, burrowing owls and, of course, prairie dogs.

Now, more than 60 years later, most of that prairie has succumbed to agriculture and urban sprawl and its wild residents have been domesticated or forced to survive on shrinking plots of grassland.  An up-close reminder of this fact is evident in Metro Denver where I frequently pass small colonies of prairie dogs occupying tiny tracts of roadside habitat, including patches of grass and dirt at some intersections.  One wonders how they survive; indeed, some risk a quick and unnatural death as they dart across busy streets.

While I understand the challenges of coexisting with a wide variety of wildlife, these prairie dog ghettos are disturbing sights, highlighting our unending and reckless "development" of the planet. 

Colorado's Severe Weather Month

As if on cue, a swarm of severe thunderstorms ignited along the Front Range yesterday afternoon, dropping torrential rain and large hail and, in one case, spawning a brief tornado.  Fortunately, our Littleton farm was sparred any damage but we also missed out on the rain.

While severe weather usually begins to decline across the Great Plains and Midwest by early June, it is ramping up in northeast Colorado.  Indeed, tornados are most common during this month, primarily affecting the High Plains of the Colorado-Wyoming-Nebraska Tristate.  Of course, the Front Range urban corridor is not immune to these storms and hail damage can be significant.

How global warming will affect this traditional weather pattern and the Southwest Monsoon that follows remains to be seen.  While the moisture is almost always welcomed, we could do without the powerful winds and large hail that June too often delivers.  

To Be Remembered

Once we are old enough (and mature enough) to understand the finality of death, we begin to consider the concept of remembrance.  Early on, we know that our family and close friends will remember us and, over time, come to understand that we are remembered by others for our unique skills, our personal traits and our impact on society as a whole.

As adults, factors such as celebrity and creativity may significantly increase one's exposure in human society, thereby augmenting the remembrance that they receive.  Of course, this may be a positive or negative remembrance.

Living on in the memories of others is the secular person's afterlife and knowing that their influence has been both personal and societal offers reassurance as death looms.  Unfortunately, those who conclude that their life has been meaningless and/or unappreciated too often resort to violent acts as they bow out, ensuring that they will be remembered in the annals of history.

Addendum: This post has been altered from the original.

Light Show on the Great Plains

Arriving in Hays, Kansas, late yesterday afternoon, I saw a thunderstorm approaching from the south.  After crossing the east side of town, it eventually merged with a large cluster of thunderstorms over Russell, about 25 miles east of Hays.

From my room, I was treated to a broad view of the Great Plains to the northeast and watched as the Russell storms spread northward and eastward.  Once the sun set, the lightning show was spectacular, with some cloud-to-cloud strikes radiating back toward Hays.  Consulting the weather radar, I found that a chain of severe thunderstorms stretched from Wichita, Kansas, to the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota.  In addition, a mass of storms in northeast Colorado extended the turbulence westward; indeed, as was evident on Flight Aware, cross-country air traffic was funneled north of the Black Hills or south of Wichita.

The light show from this massive band of storms continued late into the evening, well past my usual bedtime.  But one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles was well worth a modest loss of sleep. 

 

Trump's Gulags

Of all the outrageous actions and decisions of the Trump Administration, the creation of inhumane, ICE detention centers is surely the most horrific.  Holding immigrants with no history of criminal behavior, they are reported to be overcrowded and filthy; the water is said to be undrinkable, food is rancid and medical care is all but nonexistent.

Furthermore, political representatives are denied access to document the poor conditions and deaths within the centers are not fully investigated.  Meanwhile, new centers are under construction across the country, especially in "Red States" where protests are less likely to occur.

How such horrible treatment can occur in this "democratic" country without condemnation and intervention from both political Parties is beyond belief.  The only possible explanation is the conviction that those held within these gulags are sub-human; after all, they are not white.  

A Refuge by Neglect

Throughout the history of this Blog, I have repeatedly suggested that the establishment of wild borders on one's property is a good way to attract a greater diversity of wildlife.  After all, a variety of native plants is more appealing to regional birds, mammals and other creatures, offering seeds, berries, nuts and vegetation that they prefer to consume; of course, insects are also drawn to such natural oases, providing yet another source of food.

An excellent example of my theory has unfolded across the street from our home, where a neighbor's house has been renovated while its front lawn, destroyed by the building activity, has yet to be replaced.  Now sporting a hodgepodge of native "weeds" and grasses, it has become a popular feeding ground for many local birds; white-tailed deer have also stopped by to munch on the broad mix of plants.

Though unsightly from a typical suburbanite's point of view, I have found this temporary refuge to be interesting.  No doubt, its varied vegetation and "clearings" are of more interest to wildlife than the dense carpet of a manicured lawn.

See also: Lose Some Lawn  

Waders in the Shallows

Returning to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a friend and I found that the water levels have continued to fall and that vast shallows spread out from the central channel and along the primary drainages of the refuge.  Not surprisingly, these conditions attracted a large number of waders (61 great blue herons and 37 great egrets), perhaps the most I have ever observed at this floodplain preserve.

As summer sets in, waterfowl were limited to the resident Canada geese and a lone, male wood duck.  Killdeer were the only "shorebirds" and turkey vultures were the sole raptors.  Dickcissels, the most abundant songbirds, called from the drier grasslands while many summer residents, hidden in the foliage, were identified by their songs; these included yellow-breasted chats, yellow warblers and common yellowthroats.  More conspicuous were indigo buntings, fish crows and mixed flocks of swallows.  A single cormorant, finding the water too shallow for diving, flew across the refuge, heading for deeper fishing grounds.

Having recovered from a prolonged drought, this wetland refuge must now rely on periods of heavy rain to sustain its rich ecosystem.  Of course, human visitors, ourselves included, hope that summer storms regularly douse the floodplain. 

Ox-Eye Daisy

By mid May, the fields, meadows and highway medians of Missouri are adorned with beautiful swaths of ox-eye daisies.  A native of Europe and Asia, this perennial wildflower spreads by seeds and by rhizomes, explaining both its tenacity and its ability to spread.

Indeed, this wildflower may appear in a wide variety of habitats,  including lawns, abandoned fields and open woodlands.  Its presence in pastures may degrade their nutritional value and, on dairy farms, the daisies may taint the flavor of the milk.

But, for most of us, these "invasive" plants beautify the landscape.  After all, we humans introduced them. 

Flashback Post LXXVII

On this annual Memorial Day, it is important to remember both the sacrifice of our soldiers and the consequences of war, a message that I tried to express back in 2010.

See: Forgetting to Remember 

Trump's Crimes Against Humanity

Having eliminated USAID, withdrawn from the World Health Organization, greatly decreased funding for medical research and placed an uneducated buffoon in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Donald Trump as caused needless death and suffering across the globe.

Famine has led to countless deaths and the current Ebola outbreak was not recognized early enough to control its severity.  Here in the U.S., measles has unnecessarily sickened and killed Americans and research funding has been dramatically curtailed, both within the government and at universities across the country.

Trump's anti-science policies would be sad enough themselves but are especially disturbing in light of the financial enrichment that he and his family have enjoyed during his second term.  Indeed, his actions have been both immoral and criminal and, were it not for a complicit, Republican-controlled Congress, should have led to Impeachment.  

Our Natural Aviary

Just outside the family room of our Columbia, Missouri, house, is a magnolia tree with an open maze of internal branches.  Unobstructed by leaves, it attracts perching birds and offers us a direct view of our avian visitors.  Indeed, movement within this central area often attracts my attention, even when I am otherwise occupied.

This convenient rest stop for avian visitors and residents has certainly accounted for more species identifications than any other location in our yard.  Just this afternoon, a tiny, female northern parula alighted in the magnolia, briefly foraging along a limb before flying off.  Yesterday, a Swainson's thrush, a common spring migrant on its way to Canada, stopped by, posing in the tree for several minutes.

A window on the great outdoors, especially with a feeder or a perching tree nearby, is an excellent way for new birders to become familiar with the many species that reside in or visit their yards; it is an especially valuable resource for those too infirm to explore outdoor habitats. 

Konza Prairie Biological Station

Though I have driven past it hundreds of times, I never looked into the history and management of the Konza Prairie Biological Station in the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas until today.  Owned by Kansas State University and the Nature Conservancy, this 3487 hectare reserve stretches across rolling tallgrass prairie, just north of Interstate 70.  Indeed, it protects the largest remnant of unplowed tallgrass prairie in North America.

Established in 1971 and significantly enlarged by the addition of the Dewey Ranch in the late Seventies, the Station is named for the Kaw or Kanza People, who occupied the region before they were forced out during the mid-late 19th Century.  The Konza Prairie is managed by the KSU Division of Biology with the primary goals of conservation, education and research; the latter includes ecologic, hydrologic and geologic studies, including the effects of periodic burning and ungulate grazing (cattle, bison or none).

The Station Headquarters is off McDowell Creek Road (north of I-70), where a trail provides access to the prairie ecosystem.  Information for this post was obtained from the Station's website; your financial support for their research is encouraged. 

Corruption on Steroids

We have known for some time that Trump's policies and deals with other countries have financially benefited himself and his family.  Now we learn that he has been publicly touting the success and value of American companies shortly after buying stock in those companies himself.

Of even more concern, Trump's loyal Department of Justice is creating a 1.776 billion dollar slush fund to pay out reparation to the President's allies who have been "falsely accused of crimes;" the latter group includes those who attacked our Capitol on January 6, 2021.

As one might expect, Republican Senators and Congressmen have declined to respond to this ongoing corruption.  The November midterms cannot arrive soon enough.  Hopefully, Impeachment will follow shortly thereafter. 

March in May III

Following a round of thunderstorms yesterday, it is chilly and raining in Metro Denver today, the product of an upslope flow behind the potent cold front.  High temperatures today will be in the 40s F and our overnight low is expected to fall into the 30s.

I would complain about the clouds, the rain and the chill but they are just what we need as we hope to recover from a prolonged drought and nearly snowless winter.  The thirsty plants on our Littleton farm are surely relieved by the March-like weather and are resident birds are as active and as noisy as usual.

This cool, wet interlude will last another day or two but it seems the stagnant weather pattern that brought us the drought has broken down.  Bring on an unrelenting Southwest Monsoon!

Addendum:  The title of this post reflects the fact that March-like weather is not uncommon in May along the Front Range urban corridor; the title has been used at least twice before over the history of this Blog. 

Boycotting Racism

Now that the Supreme Court has decimated the Voting Rights Act, Southern States are rushing to complete redistricting before the November elections.  In the process, they are eliminating the representation that black Americans have relied upon since the 1960s.

While public protests and journalistic outrage have developed and will continue, I would suggest that financial consequences will prove more effective.  Americans who support voting rights and fair representation might boycott States that disenfranchise their black citizens; in other words, we night decline to visit and spend our money in those States.  Even more effective would be the decision of the NBA, the NFL and other professional sports leagues to withdraw championships and special events from those Red States.  Finally, major corporations might decline to fund the campaigns of political parties and candidates that support racist legislation.

We can all do our part to voice our outrage; cancelling a vacation to Nashville or New Orleans is not a major sacrifice.  Donations to the ACLU and other human rights organizations should also be considered. 

Bovine Bathing

As summer-like heat builds across the Great Plains, bovine bathing is off to an early start.  Grazing comfortably on verdant pastures just a few weeks ago, cattle are now gathering at ponds and lakes, seeking relief from the heat and the biting insects.

Partly submerged, they are still tortured by flies around their head and neck.  Fortunately, local flocks of swallows take advantage of the insect swarms, filling their bellies and providing some relief for the cattle.  Yet, the swallows are not immune from attack either; as I witnessed today, prairie falcons may zero in on their flocks, hoping to pick off a swallow for lunch.

Beyond the drama at the cattle pools, I encountered a number of Mississippi kites over Hays, Kansas, my routine rest stop on the Plains.  Tomorrow I complete my journey to Colorado, where a cold front will produce near-freezing overnight temperatures early in the week; that same front is expected to ignite severe thunderstorms across the Great Plains and Midwest. 

Back from South America

Mississippi kites have returned to central Missouri after a winter in South America (primarily in southern Brazil and northern Argentina).  Usually migrating in sizable flocks, they begin to split up as they approach their summer range.

Despite their name, these kites are most abundant in the Southeastern U.S. and across the Southern Plains but some nest as far north as Iowa and Nebraska.  As I have reported in the past, they have become increasingly common in central Missouri in recent years; indeed, I saw two late yesterday afternoon.

These spectacular aerialists are best observed in the evening, when they swoop and dive to snare flying insects.  Should they land, usually in the tops of large shade trees, their whistling calls are frequently heard.  They'll stick around until September, when they begin their long journey back to the Southern Hemisphere.

See also: Whistling Kites 

Our Mystery Buckeye

Last summer, we found a small buckeye tree growing in one of our flower beds.  How it got there was uncertain but we assumed its seed had arrived in the feces of a deer and was then buried by a squirrel.  This spring, we learned more about the tree.

Early this month, red flowers appeared (photo).  Since our native buckeye species flower in the summer, this suggested the tree is a Eurasian import, known as a horsechestnut.  Furthermore, its opposite, palmately compound leaves have seven leaflets, typical of horsechestnuts; American buckeyes have five leaflets.  Finally, the red, upright flower clusters, indicate it is likely a red horsechestnut, a hybrid of a common horsechestnut and a red buckeye.

Whatever its exact classification may be, it is an attractive tree and a welcome addition to our flora.  Its presence demonstrates the value of establishing wild borders, allowing nature to determine their resident plants and animals.  Less expense and work for us and more natural diversity on the property.   

Playing the Piano

I "play the piano."  Indeed, I have been playing since the 1980s when we bought one for our kids' piano lessons.  I never took lessons myself and do not read music; this has made all the difference.

Having never endured the expectations of a piano teacher nor been confronted by a jumble of notes on a music sheet, I learned to play by ear.  As it turns out, that technique works over forty years and I enjoy my sessions whether I am playing established tunes or ones that I make up as I play.  Of course, I generally play when I am home alone, not wanting to burden others with my therapy.  The beauty of a piano, unlike many other instruments, is that it is sitting there in plain sight, waiting to be played; no preparation necessary!

As I have written in the past, art and music are, in my opinion, man's only gifts to this planet, just beginning to make up for all the damage we have done.  My piano sessions benefit only myself but I like to think they also enhance my appreciation for the talent and artistry of true professionals. 

Flashback Post LXXVI

On this Mother's Day, I have decided to repost my thoughts from May of 2010.  They seem especially relevant during this period of economic and political turmoil.  Happy Mother's Day to all who have taken up the awesome challenge of raising children and appeasing fathers.

See: Natural Peacemakers

Disappointed at Babler State Park

Always looking for new hiking locations, my wife and I visited Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, south of Chesterfield, Missouri, this morning.  Home to a pleasing Visitor Center and an Outdoor Education Center, its forested hills are accessed by paved roads that are popular with cyclists and which lead to a number of picnic areas, shelters and camping sites.  An equestrian trail also winds through the Park.

On the other hand, its hiking trails, while leading through mature deciduous forest, into glades and down to spring-fed creeks, are not well engineered.  Neither do they lead to any overlooks that might offer the visitor some perspective of the local topography.  After a night of rain, the soggy trails made foot travel difficult, if not treacherous, in some areas.

One might question why a naturalist, such as myself, would be disappointed by a lack of manicured trails, overlooks and other hiking amenities.  Were it a conservation area, wildlife refuge or nature preserve, my criticism would, indeed, be inappropriate; but, in my opinion, State Parks should encourage exploration beyond traditional human recreation sites and a safe, inviting, educational trail network best serves that purpose. 

 

A Catbird Soliloquy

 Late this morning and into the afternoon, a male gray catbird has been delivering a prolonged soliloquy of musical notes, calls and other harsh sounds from a shrub line in our backyard.  Of course, having just arrived from his wintering grounds, he is staking out his summer territory and trying his best to attract a mate.

Though he tends to remain hidden for much of the day, he does come out to search for insects in the grass before returning to his seemingly endless vocalizations.  Once he attracts a mate, a nest will be placed in the shrubbery and his soliloquies will eventually give way to the mewing sounds for which he is named.  By early autumn, his diet will shift to a mix of insects and berries and he will soon be off to the Southern U.S. or Mexico for the colder months.

Until then, this noisy but attractive summer resident is more than welcome on our property.  After all, like other insectivores, his service is far preferable to the use of toxic pesticides.

Avian Explosion at Eagle Bluffs

Now that this fabulous floodplain refuge has returned to its former glory and we are in the midst of spring, Eagle Bluffs was alive with birds this morning.  Indeed, on my two hour visit, I encountered 43 species, many of them summer residents.

Swallows (all five species), blue-winged teal, dickcissels and indigo buntings were most abundant.  Highlights included a pileated woodpecker,  American avocets, white-faced ibis and soras; the latter, usually best observed on cloudy, rainy days, were especially vocal and visible on this bright, May morning.  Eastern kingbirds and common yellowthroats were more numerous than I had expected and our common waders, great egrets and great blue herons, are gradually regaining their past summer populations.  Ironically, an immature bald eagle was the only raptor that I saw.

Though I had hoped to encounter black terns, a personal favorite, it is a bit early for those late spring migrants.  Nevertheless, my overall experience was more than rewarding and I'll continue regular visits whenever I'm in Columbia. 

A Snowstorm in May

It is not rare for snow to fall along the Colorado Front Range during the month of May.  An unruly spring jet stream, significant changes in elevation and the presence of a storm system crossing the Desert Southwest are the usual ingredients.

The current snow storm, which began yesterday, developed as a deep atmospheric trough (dip in the jet stream) allowed cold, Canadian air to drop southward along the Front Range while counterclockwise winds, around a low pressure center in New Mexico, pulled in Gulf of Mexico moisture from the Great Plains.  This upslope flow dropped two feet of snow in the mountains, a foot of snow in the foothills and rain changing to snow along the Front Range urban corridor.

This welcome moisture will likely have a limited effect on the State's drought and on Metro Denver's water shortage but it is surely welcomed by the regional flora and fauna.  Perhaps the greatest benefit of the storm will be to diminish the threat a wildfires across the eastern slope of the Front Range as the annual fire season gets underway.  Early and prolonged Southwest Monsoons and normal to heavy mountain snowpacks over the coming years are needed to end the drought. 

New Sheriffs on the High Plains

By early April, it is getting too warm for rough-legged hawks on the High Plains of the U.S. and they begin moving back to their Arctic breeding grounds.  There they will nest on rocky outcrops and feast primarily on lemmings as they raise their young.

In their absence, Swainson's hawks take charge on the High Plains, arriving from Argentina where they spent the winter.  Usually nesting in a solitary cottonwood tree, struggling to survive along a dry stream bed, these raptors prefer open country where their diet ranges from rodents to snakes to insects.  They will occupy the High Plains until early October, when the promise of a perpetual summer draws them back to Argentina, often traveling in large flocks.

Today, I observed several Swainson's hawks on our journey across the High Plains of Colorado and Kansas.  We'll spend the night in Hays and complete our roadtrip to Missouri tomorrow.  Details, if warranted, to follow. 

Racism Endures in America

Back in my college days, when we were protesting the Vietnam War, racism and, it seemed, most of our parents' generational beliefs, I imagined a better world, led by my liberalized generation.  Now, more than fifty years later, I acknowledge that little has changed.

The quest for wealth, power and superiority has poisoned my generation as well and a significant portion of American society retains the mysticism, racism, militarism and nationalism that existed back in the Sixties and Seventies.  Though we managed to elect a black President for two terms, the underlying racial hatred in our country surfaced throughout his years of leadership.

Now, led by a racist buffoon and subject to the whims of a far-right Supreme Court, civil rights are under attack.  Each ruling takes us farther back in time, to an era when all "minorities" were second class citizens.

See also:  The Nature of Racism and No Racist

Frustrated by Virga

Anyone who lives in an arid or semiarid environment is familiar with virga, precipitation that evaporates in dry air before reaching the ground.  Viewed from a distance, it resembles a curtain, hanging from the bottom of a rain or storm cloud but not extending down to the terrain below.

During our current drought along the Front Range, many of us check the local radar when rain is expected.  Watching the green or yellow blobs move toward and then over our neighborhood, we anticipate a downpour.  In many cases, however, we stay dry or receive only a light drizzle, a victim of virga.

This phenomenon is enhanced in Metro Denver when storms arrive from the south or west.  As the air descends from higher terrain, it warms up and dries out and precipitation evaporates as it falls into the lower, drier layer of the atmosphere. 

A Honey Bee Swarm

Yesterday, while wandering about our Littleton farm, I came across a large honey bee swarm (photo), having attached themselves to one of our piñon pines.  Its mass consisted of worker bees and a queen, waiting for scout bees to locate a new hive site.

A common event in the spring, this swarming splits the old colony and the remnant colony will attend to a virgin queen, which emerges from a cell in which an egg was laid by the original queen, prior to her departure.  Other virgin queens may leave the hive with small "cast swarms" of worker bees to establish their own colonies.

Swarms, such as the one I found, generally move on within hours or days, once the scout bees have collaborated and agree on a new hive location.  Fortunately, my wife and I are now the only part-time residents of the farm and we can easily avoid the swarm until it departs.  Since they are focused on their moving adventure, the swarm tends to be rather docile anyway. 

Tainted Gold

A disturbing article in the New York Times, released yesterday, describes the varied sources of gold used by the U.S. Mint.  Despite a law passed by Congress in 1985, which requires the Mint to use only American mined or recycled gold to produce its coins, that policy has been ignored.

In fact, much of the gold comes from illegal sources, some run by drug cartels and terrorist groups.  In such cases, environmental protection is nonexistent and workers are exposed to toxic debris.  A variety of other non-American sources are also revealed in the article.  Furthermore, the Times reports that this practice has occurred for decades, over the course of multiple Administrations.

As America's image across the globe takes a major hit from Trump's antics, we cannot deny the fact that our country has long abused the citizens of foreign countries in order to maintain our wealth and power.  What can the average American do to protest such behavior?  We might start by selling any gold coins or gold investments that we own and by not buying the Trump commemorative coins when they become available.

  

Egrets in Centerfield

Attending my grandson's little league game this past weekend, I was pleased to observe a quartet of snowy egrets, feeding in centerfield.  Common summer residents in Metro Denver, they were the first I encountered this spring.

These sociable birds usually nest in colonies, often in groves of trees along lakes or streams.  They feed on a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates as well as fish, amphibians, lizards, snakes and small mammals.  Come autumn, they will head for Mexico or for coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico or the Baja Peninsula.

Lest readers be concerned about the egrets' safety during the ballgame, be assured that, in my grandson's age group, balls rarely reach the outfield.  Indeed, the ratio of walks to strikeouts generally determines the outcome of a game. 

Common Ravens

In North America, common ravens are found across Canada and Alaska, southward through the Appalachians and throughout most of the Western U.S.  Able to adapt to a wide range of habitats, these large, aggressive, hardy corvids are identified by their large size, thick bills, heavy build, diamond-shaped tail and deep, croaking calls.

Unlike their smaller cousins, American crows, which often move about in flocks, common ravens are generally observed alone or in pairs, often harassing hawks, owls and other perceived enemies.  Their diet consists of invertebrates, nestlings, eggs, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, carrion, food waste and berries; in other words, they are not picky eaters.  Nests are generally placed in conifers or on rock ledges.

Here in Colorado, common ravens are found throughout the mountains and western deserts and have, in my experience, become increasingly common along the Front Range urban corridor, likely taking advantage of roadkill, discarded food and other human handouts.

 

The Bear Creek Greenbelt

Bear Creek rises on the east face of Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans) and flows downward through alpine tundra, forests and meadows.  Below Evergreen, Colorado, it slices through its tortuous canyon in the foothills before rumbling onto the Piedmont, eventually joining the South Platte River.

Before the construction of the Bear Creek Lake Dam (1977-1982) to control flooding, Bear Creek, having also received significant flow from Turkey Creek, to its south, had produced a broad floodplain of wetlands, meadows and cottonwood groves through the west side of Metro Denver.  Once its flow was greatly diminished by the dam, that floodplain began to dry out and a large portion of it is now protected as a Greenbelt for walking, biking and nature study.

Of course, this flood-control project has had a significant impact on the floodplain itself, where the massive cottonwoods are gradually dying off and the wetlands have all but disappeared.  Human development and recreation have been the winners.  

FEMA and Looming Disasters

While spending billions on an unjustified war, Our Dear Leader has cut back on the funding of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  This decision comes amidst the threats of climate change (a challenge that he and his Administration ridicule).

Currently, severe drought across the American West and the Southeastern States has set the stage for a destructive wildfire season.  Meanwhile, tornados and flooding have ravaged the Upper Midwest and the Atlantic Hurricane Season begins within a month.

As with most of the decisions he makes, Trump's policies boost his "strong man" image and benefit the wealthy class, those least affected by natural disasters.  After all, those loyal supporters readily donate to his personal projects (such as the planned ballroom and arch) that will define his legacy. 

Wind, Raptors & Drought

Meeting a friend at South Platte Park this morning, we were greeted by a strong and desiccating southwest wind.  As expected, this kept the songbirds huddled in the shrubs and thickets but it certainly appealed to the raptors.

During our visit, we encountered an osprey, two bald eagles (an adult and an immature), two turkey vultures and an American kestrel.  While the others were cavorting in the wind, the kestrel was having breakfast atop a bluebird box, much to the chagrin of tree swallows that were nesting there.  Double-crested cormorants and great blue herons seemed to enjoy the wind as well, catching a ride as they traversed the refuge.

But the most noticeable feature of the Park was the ongoing drought, which has significantly lowered water levels in the South Platte River and its adjacent lakes.  Indeed, I do not recall levels this low over the past three decades.  Though rain is forecast to arrive this weekend, it will take an early and long-lasting monsoon to produce a significant recovery along the Front Range. 

Getting Personal on Earth Day

On this annual Earth Day, many of us will attend gatherings, speeches, demonstrations or fairs to show our support for the welfare of our home planet; that is not enough.  Our commitment to the health of natural ecosystems must be personal.

We must ask ourselves if our recycling efforts are maximized, if we make every effort to eliminate the use of herbicides and pesticides, if we limit artificial irrigation and if we have naturalized our property to avoid the use of fertilizer and to provide natural nutrition sources for wildlife. 

Just as importantly, do we contribute to conservation organizations (such as those in the right column of this blog) that have the financial, legal and political clout to combat the anti-environmental fervor of the Trump Administration?  Will we support candidates who openly acknowledge the threat of climate change and who offer policies to combat pollution, excessive consumption and the degradation of natural habitat?  That is the very least we can do for Mother Earth. 

Majestic View Park

On this bright April morning, my wife and I visited Majestic View Park, in Arvada, Colorado.  Off 72nd Ave., between Wadsworth and Kipling, the 80-acre park offers a broad view of the Mt. Blue Sky massif and the adjacent Front Range Foothills.

Two miles of paved and earthen trails wind through the Park, which harbors open grasslands, riparian woodlands, a pond and a creek-side marsh (now undergoing restoration).  Red-winged blackbirds and blue jays were the most conspicuous residents this morning though we also saw a pied-billed grebe and a large garter snake on our walk.

Majestic View Park also has a Nature Center that offers educational programs throughout the year.  Though the Park is rather small, its scenery, its variety of natural habitats and its accessibility make it worth a visit for Metro Denver residents and visitors. 

Our Summer Tenants

According to the records on my eBird site, I have observed 98 avian species on our Littleton farm since May of 2016.  Almost all have been permanent residents, winter residents, migrants or seasonal visitors.  Only two summer residents inhabit the property.

Summer residents are birds that winter to our south, arrive in the spring, nest here and then return to their wintering grounds in the fall.  Our two summer tenants are northern house wrens and broad-tailed hummingbirds.  Since returning from Missouri yesterday, I have encountered one of each.

Soon, the cohorts of these pioneers will arrive and courtships will commence.  Nesting will occur and the families will grace our farm until October.  Among all the other species, these summer tenants tend to garner much of my attention.

Addendum: Some birders might suggest that I also include brown-headed cowbirds on my short list of summer residents.  However, they merely lay their eggs in the nests of other songbirds and do not actually raise their young or reside on the property.

Back in Dry Country

Driving back to Colorado this morning, the landscape was noticeably drier than usual from the High Plains westward.  None of the rivers (except for the South Platte) held water and the grasslands had browned out, an unusual appearance for April, one of the snowiest months along the Front Range.

Of course, the desiccated landscape reflects the unusually warm and snowless winter in this region.  The small amount of snow received from the most recent Pacific storm was not enough to make a difference and has already disappeared.  Here on our Littleton farm, the shrubs and pastures have held up well but our "lawns" are not the least bit green.  In addition, the recent hard freeze killed off the unfurling leaves in many of the trees but these should recover as the temperature rebounds.

Indeed, we expect warm, sunny weather for the next week; no rain is forecast until next weekend.  As always, the dry air has its benefits: cool nights and more tolerable daytime heat.  But we desperately need precipitation, in any form; perhaps May will bring a welcome change. 

Heading West

Following a stormy night in Columbia, we headed west this morning.  A steady north wind had brought down clear, cool, dry air behind the storm front, perfect for traveling.

Farther west, in eastern Kansas, plumes of smoke rose from the Flint Hills as the annual burning of grasslands was underway.  Designed to remove invasive plants and to nourish the pasturelands, one wonders about the carbon load released into the atmosphere.

And what wildlife did I encounter today (you might ask)?  Easy: turkey vultures, great-tailed grackles and dead raccoons.  But we did see thousands of cattle!  We'll complete our journey to Colorado tomorrow. 

Damage Watch

As a powerful Pacific storm system spun its way along the U.S.-Canadian border yesterday, its cold front stretched from the Upper Midwest to the Southern Plains, producing a broad swath of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, large hail, high winds and torrential rain.

Millions of Americans, ourselves included, were glued to their TVs and computer screens, waiting to see if their community would be damaged or spared.  Even before this storm system arrived, severe flooding had developed in Wisconsin from storms deflected northward by the Southeastern ridge.  Here in Columbia, tornado sirens blared by mid evening as a twister passed just south and east of our city.

Meanwhile, on the back side of the system, cold air plunged southward, bringing snow to the Northern Plains and, finally, to the Front Range of Colorado.  As the storm pushes eastward in the coming days, its severity will diminish as its forward speed increases; nevertheless, more flooding and wind damage is expected before it heads out to sea. 

First Summer Sparrow

Enjoying the shady retreat of our front porch yesterday afternoon, I caught site of a small sparrow that was foraging on the street and intermittently flying up into a large sweetgum tree.  I knew it had to be a chipping sparrow (the first of the year for me) due to that behavior and I soon confirmed its identity with my binoculars.

Common across most of the U.S. during the warmer months (though generally absent on the Great Plains), these attractive and rather tame sparrows feast on both insects and seeds.  Their nests are placed in shrubs or low in trees (usually conifers) and two broods are typically raised each summer.  Come October they head to the southern tier of the U.S. or to Mexico for the winter.

Most sparrows that are encountered in Missouri are permanent or winter residents.  Chipping sparrows are an exception and it is always a pleasure to catch their arrival in the spring. 

The Southeastern Drought

Due to a persistent atmospheric ridge over the Southeastern U.S., storm systems arriving from the Pacific have been shunted across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeastern States.  As a result, severe drought has developed within that ridge; indeed, much of Georgia and Florida are in extreme drought.

A stable jet stream arc, from the Southern Plains to the Ohio River Valley and across the Mid-Atlantic region has produced the ridge.  Within its dome, air is sinking and heating up, impairing cloud formation, negating precipitation and drying out the soil.  As one might expect, the incidence of wildfires has increased significantly.

Fortunately, a potent storm system is forecast to arrive within a week, displacing the ridge and bringing much needed rain to the Southeastern States.  An early tropical storm or two would be nice as well but an El Niño pattern in the Pacific is expected to dampen this year's Atlantic Hurricane Season; on the other hand, El Niños tend to produce more precipitation across the Southern U.S. 

Church & State

As the Trump Administration attacks the first American Pope for speaking out against the Iran War and following Trump's release of his image as Jesus Christ, many Republicans and Trump supporters have finally been critical of Our Dear Leader, acknowledging that he is not infallible after all.

Yet, many if not most of these critics back the influence of religion in public schools, including Bible study, posting the Ten Commandments and other means of ignoring the separation of Church and State.  While our Constitution is clear on this matter, the Republican Party has moved past any respect for that document.

Nevertheless, I suspect most Americans support freedom of and freedom from religion.  Politicians cannot and should not impose their personal faith on others.  Moral behavior should be expected of everyone but religious beliefs, however common, must not be enforced by our Government. 

Greenery Rising

Yesterday afternoon, as a steady south wind brought warm, humid air into central Missouri, I rescued our Beetle from the garage and headed for the country.  Escorted by turkey vultures, sailing along in the cloudy sky, I did not encounter many birds or mammals but I was taken by the greenery, ascending from the lush grass, through the shrub lines and into the trees.

Our recent warm, wet weather had produced the transition from winter browns to these many shades of green, the product of chlorophyll, the fuel of life on Earth.  Absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, green plants sustain our atmosphere, long threatened by the burning of fossil fuels.

Of course, the leaves themselves feed a wide variety of life forms, from microbes to insects to mammals, ourselves included.  Following the fickle weather of March, this explosion of greenery in April is always a welcome spectacle. 

The Space Race Endures

No doubt, most Americans were pleased with the emotional and uplifting comments of the Artemis II astronauts after they safely returned to Earth.  But the U.S. Government and American corporations did not spend billions of dollars for those platitudes or for more images of our Blue Planet from space.

As some commentators admitted on TV, establishing sites to recover valuable minerals from our natural satellite is the ultimate goal and we must out-compete China and Russia for choice locations.  In other words, real estate on the Moon will become increasingly important and contentious.

One would hope that governments have learned the value of international cooperation from our experience with the Space Station.  Having drawn our lines on Earth, it would be rewarding for humans to openly share the gifts that our Moon has to offer.

Faith & Trust

Faith is belief instilled by someone we trust.  As children, we trust our parents, thereby helping to ensure our own survival.  We also tend to trust other authority figures such as teachers, priests, ministers and close relatives.

Of course, over the years, we often come to learn that our trust was misplaced.  Those who instilled our beliefs are discovered to be fallible or worse.  Ironically, it is usually the rigidity of their beliefs that we most readily discard.  Their provincial attitudes, limited education and cloistered life often trigger our doubt.

Retained faith, on the other hand, is generally reinforced by fear or by an unwillingness to disappoint those we care about.  In the end, we must trust ourselves and formulate our own beliefs. 

Don Robinson State Park

On this mild April morning, my wife and I visited Don Robinson State Park in Jefferson County, Missouri.  Donated to the State by Mr. Robinson upon his death, its 800 acres are draped across the upper watershed of LaBarque Creek, a tributary of the Meramec River.

The Park is known for its Sandstone Canyons where outcrops of St. Peter Sandstone adorn the walls and underlie the streams (see photo).  This rock formation dates from the mid Ordovician Period, about 460 million years ago, when life had not yet crawled from the sea.  Outcrops of limestone and dolomite are also found in the Park which harbors an excellent diversity of foliage, including many rare plants.

During our visit today, we hiked a 3.2 mile loop through one of the canyons, enduring a steep climb in one area.  Though benches are not provided for those of us who often use them, there were plenty of logs and sandstone blocks along the trail which, in our case, were regularly appreciated.  We highly recommend a visit to this scenic and geologically interesting Park.

Reassuring Tunes

Per the National Audubon Society, nation-wide studies over the past few years have demonstrated a significant decline in U.S. bird populations, especially those that inhabit grasslands; waterfowl species appeared to be least affected but have recently decreased in number.  Habitat loss, pollution and severe weather events (courtesy of climate change) are among the most likely factors in this disturbing trend.

Aware of these studies, I was personally alarmed by the apparent dearth of white-throated sparrows in central Missouri this winter, especially in our neighborhood.  Usually among the more common winter residents in our region, these Canadians arrive in October and generally stay until mid April.

But as we approach their usual departure week, I have been heartened by the frequency of their homesick tune, ringing through our yard.  Perhaps my seasonal observations have been misleading but the study data is hard to ignore.  Soon, in response to the lengthening days (though seemingly to the warming weather) the white-throats, fond of chilly conditions, will head north to their homeland.

 

Fueling Addiction & Crime

Concerned about the exploding participation in Sports Betting, I published my feelings last year.  Now, Prediction Markets have broadened those concerns, encouraging addiction-prone individuals to bet on almost any upcoming event or decision in human society, in America or across the globe.

Available to those 18 years of age or older, these markets offer excitement, potential financial windfalls and alternatives to traditional employment and investment.  Of course, they also carry the risk of addiction, bankruptcy and criminal behavior, including insider trading.  Unlike regulated gambling, there appears to be minimal consumer protection or fraud detection in these markets.

Heavily advertised, Prediction Markets are said to democratize participation in political, economic and social decisions and are defended as a form of "crowd sourcing."  No doubt, as with other forms of gambling, appropriate warnings and numbers to call for counseling make the purveyors of these markets feel socially responsible as they rake in the proceeds. 

Impeach Trump!

After threatening genocide in Iran, losing a war that he initiated, openly backing a dictator in Hungary, repeatedly praising Vladimir Putin and expressing his intention to withdraw from NATO, Donald Trump cannot be allowed to remain President of the United States.  What more can he do before Republicans join the call for Impeachment?

Our Dear Leader was given a second opportunity to represent America and he has failed miserably.  We cannot let this incompetent and deranged narcissist enjoy any more time in the limelight.  He has destroyed the image of the United States across the globe and, in the process, crippled our own economy.

Democrats must initiate Impeachment proceedings and force Republicans to take a stand.  They will thereby have to demonstrate whether they are patriots or cowards.  We cannot wait until November. 

Watching for Summer Birds

It is that time of year when summer avian residents begin arriving from their wintering areas to our south; indeed, quite a few species have already been reported, though I have only observed tree swallows, eastern phoebes, pied-billed grebes and a scissor-tailed flycatcher (the first seen in Columbia this spring and the earliest I have ever observed one in Missouri, on April 3).

Though my success is clearly behind many local birders, the joy of observing new arrivals is always worth the effort.  Among the species already documented by others have been green herons, soras, a Virginia rail, northern rough-winged swallows, yellow-throated vireos, yellow-throated warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers.

One need not travel to nature preserves to observe summer residents; in fact, many can be found in the average backyard.  Join the search and join eBird to report your sightings!  Your data will help to monitor the health of our avian populations.

Deception from Space

For many of us, the highlight of manned or unmanned space flights is the opportunity to observe our beautiful home planet from a distance.  Of course, the apparent tranquility on Earth is an illusion.

Since life first evolved in Earth's ancient seas, its tenacity has been tested by cataclysmic events and the ongoing process of geologic evolution.  Though we humans, relative newcomers on the planet, have benefited from large brains, our period of stewardship has been hampered by mysticism, racism, nationalism and a quest for wealth and power.  Natural ecosystems, the source of all life on our planet, have been threatened by human overpopulation, pollution, excessive consumption and relentless development.  Now, man-induced climate change challenges the welfare of all species, humans included.

So enjoy the glorious spectacle from space and try not to dwell on the realities of life on Earth.

Easter Eagles

Birding along the Missouri River on this sunny but cool Easter morning, I observed a pair of adult bald eagles, perched in a large tree along the swollen stream.  They were fitting symbols on this holiday of rebirth, having made a dramatic comeback from the widespread decimation caused by DDT use; large raptors were especially impacted since they are apex predators.

Of course, Rachel Carson has long been honored for calling attention to the indiscriminate use of that pesticide in her 1962 book, Silent Spring.  Though its use was finally banned in the United States in 1972, DDT was still employed for decades elsewhere and remains in use in some African countries today.

Proud of our decision to ban DDT, we Americans continue to use many other herbicides and pesticides that likely accumulate in our bodies, causing disease not yet associated with their presence.  See my recent post on Parkinson's Disease.

Crossing Soggy Farmland

Following another night of steady, sometimes heavy rain, I set out for the farmlands east of Columbia this morning.  There the soil was saturated and the drainage channels, recently desiccated, were free flowing streams; shallow lakes filled low points in the fields.

As one might expect, American robins were the most common birds, scouring the muddy landscape for invertebrates.  Birding highlights included red-tailed hawks, a lone wild turkey, a pair of wood ducks and a belted kingfisher.

Though cloudy skies, chilly air and a stiff, northwest wind were not terribly inviting, the soggy landscape was reassuring after our prolonged regional drought.  I'm sure the wild, farmland residents would agree.   

Glorious Rain

Over the past few days, we have received a copious amount of rain in Columbia, thanks to a slow moving storm system that has pulled up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.  Since most of Missouri has been in a long term drought, the rain has been more than welcome.

During a break in the precipitation this morning, a friend and I visited Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area where the rain had significantly increased water levels; indeed, based on my past experience, they were above normal for early April.  Once again, blue-winged teal dominated the floodplain but we were fortunate to encounter a female bufflehead, 75 pied-billed grebes (well above usual counts for that species), two bald eagles and the first scissor-tailed flycatcher of the season; 23 avian species were observed during our two hour visit.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to return tonight as the next Pacific storm drops in from the Northern Plains and intermittent periods of rain are expected over the coming week.  Perhaps our prolonged drought in central Missouri will finally be broken. 

Humans, Earth & Space

Watching the Artemis II Launch last evening, which will take four astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972,  I surely admired the courage of those human explorers and the skills of the engineers who designed and constructed their modern space ship.

On the other hand, in this technological age, one wonders why the lives of humans must be placed at risk, however committed they might be to participate.  Can we not learn as much by launching unmanned and less expensive probes?  Can we not benefit as much from using high-tech equipment to unlock the mysteries of space and to utilize that knowledge to improve the lives of humans on Earth?

Finally, does our commitment to space exploration siphon funds from programs that might better serve humanity?  Indeed, the degradation of our home planet's natural ecosystems serves to justify the potential need to escape to the Moon, to Mars and beyond.  At this point in history, it seems far more likely that we humans will become extinct on Earth before we colonize space.

Addendum:  To date, the Artemis program has cost 93 billion dollars; yesterday's launch cost 4.2 billion dollars. 

Our Warm Weather Duck

As the water level continues to fall at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, the number of most duck species has fallen significantly.  An exception are blue-winged teal which usually begin to arrive in mid March and reach peak numbers by mid April.  I counted 750 of these warm weather ducks on the refuge this am (no doubt a conservative estimate).

Having wintered from the southern U.S. to northern portions of South America, blue-wings are the last ducks to appear in the spring and the first to migrate south in the fall, generally moving through Missouri in September and early October.

It is thus no surprise that the falling water level at Eagle Bluffs and our recent warm temperatures (expected to reach 80 degrees F today) have encouraged most ducks to depart for cooler, northern climes while blue-winged teal are perfectly content to feed in the shallows and bask in the sun.  By May, most will have moved on to the northern tier of the U.S. and across Canada.  One might suggest that they are more like humans than our other duck species. 

A Dramatic Rise in Parkinson's Disease

Those of us of a certain age are especially prone to review obituaries, anticipating the deaths of individuals who played an important role in our lives.  Of course, these persons may have been friends, politicians, musicians, performers, writers or other newsmakers and celebrities.

Lately, my perusal of the obits has turned up a surprising number of deaths from Parkinson's Disease.  In turn, a brief review of the literature revealed that it is now the fasting growing neurodegenerative disorder across the globe.  While advanced age (65 or over) and male gender have long been recognized as major risk factors, environmental pollutants, especially pesticides and herbicides, are thought to be playing a significant role in the dramatic rise in the incidence of this disease.

Indeed, Parkinson's Disease is most common in industrial regions of the globe and in areas where suspected chemical agents are regularly used (e.g. agriculture).  Our prolonged inattention to the potential effects of many chemicals and other pollutants, now accumulating in our environment and in our bodies, is responsible for many serious health problems in humans and in other animal populations.  

No Kings III

Having attended the first two No Kings rallies in Colorado, I joined my wife to attend the No Kings III protest in Columbia, Missouri, today.  The turnout was excellent but, in my opinion, the format could have been more effective.

During the first half of the rally, participants gathered to mill about, greet each other and listen to a series of speeches and musical performances.  In other words, we were reinforcing each other's commitment to dislodge Trump and his Republican apologists from office; the phrase "preaching to the choir" repeatedly came to mind.  When finally released to disperse along Broadway, in downtown Columbia, our varied messages were directed toward passersby, hopefully encouraging them to consider the varied negative consequences of Trump's second term.  Of course, signs referred to the Iran War, the atrocities of Ice thugs, the Epstein saga, the Administration's anti-science stance, Trump's disastrous economic policies and malignant narcissism and the failure of Republicans to reign him in and to protect our Democracy.

Despite the criticism expressed above, it was an honor to participate in No Kings III.  Hopefully, other rallies will follow until the scourge of Trumpism is but a fading nightmare in America.

Denver in Stage 1 Drought

Following a nearly snowless winter in Metro Denver and the lowest mountain snowpack in decades, Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought, encouraging residents not to start watering their lawns until mid May (at the earliest) and limiting that activity to two days per week.  Time will tell if those restrictions need to be increased.

Anyone who understands the ramifications of global warming and has witnessed the ongoing sprawl along the Colorado Front Range is not surprised that this water emergency has developed.  Though it might be a temporary drought with recovery through the spring, it is a clear warning sign that climate change will likely produce significant water shortages across the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of the American West.

Fortunately, rain and snow are forecast to arrive in the coming week but the long term risk of drought is significant.  One hopes that reduced "development" will be employed to meet the challenges of our warming climate. 

Seasonal Progress at Eagle Bluffs

On this sunny, warm morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, water levels had fallen but the absolute number of waterfowl had increased, especially for blue-winged teal.  Northern shovelers and American coot remained abundant while the number of gadwall had increased significantly.  Fourteen pied-billed grebes were observed and, to my relief, great blue herons seem to be returning to the refuge.

On the other hand, raptors were limited to turkey vultures, a red-tailed hawk and a lone northern harrier.  In addition, other avian residents remain rather sparse with the exception of northern flickers, crows and red-winged blackbirds.

Most rewarding were the sightings of a double-crested cormorant and a flock of American golden plovers, the first I have encountered this spring.  No doubt, the pace of new visitors and summer residents will pick up significantly in April and our long avian drought at Eagle Bluffs will finally come to an end.

 

Don Quixote Trump

Donald Trump, while not nearly as noble as his literary counterpart and backed by an entire political party rather than just Sancho Panza, is tilting at windmills again.  Offering to pay 1 billion of our tax dollars to cancel a wind farm off New England, Our Dear Leader has repeatedly demonstrated his disdain for green energy, especially wind power.

Preferring to bring back the coal industry and dedicated to maximizing our use of fossil fuels, he has withdrawn federal funding that was in place to encourage the production of electric vehicles and to facilitate solar, wind and geothermal projects.  Of course, he can count on his Cabinet and most Republican members of Congress for their active or passive support.

But as with Don Quixote, Trump's enemies are imaginary.  He has no knowledge of or interest in climatology and he only hires those who share his non-scientific, pro-oil view.  Having threatened the global oil supply with his ill-advised war in Iran, his Dulcinea may remain out of reach.   

Fish Crows in Columbia

Commonly observed along the Missouri River, especially during the warmer months, a small flock of fish crows flew over our yard in Columbia late this afternoon.  They were the first I have ever observed within the city limits.

Most abundant along coastal areas of the Southeastern U.S., fish crows have been expanding their range over the past decade or so, spreading inland along the major rivers.  There they forage across floodplains and nearby farmlands but seldom stray far from the streams, their marshes and their riparian woodlands.

Distinguished from American crows by their smaller size and distinctive "uh-uh" calls, it was their voice that caught my attention this afternoon.  Since we have owned a condo on Longboat Key, Florida, for many years, I associate their calls with that coastal location; apparently, we now own two properties within their range.  

More Lesser Scaup

Over the past 20 years, I have frequently encountered lesser scaup at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area during the spring and fall migrations.  However, they have generally appeared in rather small numbers, from single individuals or pairs to small flocks.

But this past weekend, I observed a flock of 40 lesser scaup, cruising on the deeper channel where they intermittently dove for aquatic vegetation or invertebrates.  Having wintered across the southern States and Mexico, they will head for Western Canada or the Intermountain West to summer and breed.

Often seen in large flocks during winter, mingling with other diving ducks, lesser scaup prefer larger lakes and reservoirs during migrations, choices not available at Eagle Bluffs where rather shallow pools dot the Missouri River floodplain.  Indeed, surface-feeding ducks, such as mallards, northern shovelers, gadwall, wigeon and teal generally dominate the scene. 

Flashback Posts LXXIV & LXXV

As March Madness unfolds and the brackets fill in, I am always reminded of two posts that seem especially relevant during the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Though I have used them as Flashback Posts in the past, I have not placed their messages side by side.....until now.

See:  Advantage Underdogs and Rooting for Champions

The Kona Low

Severe flooding across Oahu, Hawaii, is the product of an unusually potent and persistent Kona Low.  The latter is a center of low pressure that typically develops northwest of the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months, sweeping tropical moisture across that archipelago from the southwest.

Held in place by an atmospheric trough (a dip in the jet stream), this "cutoff low"generally persists for a few weeks, producing a typical rainy season.  This year, the Kona Low developed relatively late in the winter but its strength and persistence has led to the torrential precipitation and record flooding.

Of interest, this atmospheric trough over the Pacific is tied to the persistent atmospheric ridge over the Desert Southwest, which has fueled the severe heat that is currently spreading eastward across the U.S.  Climatologists believe that both extremes demonstrate the effects of our warming climate.

A Dome of Summer Heat

Having produced record high temperatures across the Desert Southwest over the past few days, a ridge of high pressure is expanding eastward and will set records across much of the U.S.  Within this dome, air is sinking, heating up and drying out.

Unlike our usual summer heat waves, during which high humidities moderate the temperature and keep nocturnal lows relatively warm, this dry, desert heat will cause unusually high afternoon temperatures while permitting overnight lows to fall into the 40s and 50s F.

Here in Missouri, we will experience afternoon highs in the 80s F for the next few days with overnight lows in the low 50s.  Spring is just beginning and this taste of summer will fade quickly; on the other hand, this atmospheric dome may portend warmer springs as climate change progresses. 

Course Correction

Back in November of 2006, when I began writing blog posts, their subject matter was primarily focused on natural ecosystems, wildlife and conservation.  Before long, I drifted toward discussions regarding threats to our natural environment, including unbridled development, pollution and mysticism.

Early on, I could not have imagined that our own political system, led by an anti-science narcissist, would become the primary threat to the health of our society and the welfare of our planet's natural ecosystems.  Surely, in America, educated members of both political parties would not let this happen; after all, they have children and grandchildren who will suffer the consequences of such short-sighted policies.

Of course, my hopeful view of the future, based on the projected advance of science, has been derailed by the Trump Administration and by the Republican Party in general.  Now, twenty years later, a large percentage of the posts are focused on political threats to our freedom, our health and our commitment to conservation.  It is not enough to report on the wonders of nature when the welfare of or planet is under relentless attack. 

Freedom of the Press

Since the Republicans in Congress are unwilling to reign in the anti-democratic policies and actions of the Trump Administration, it has been up to the Judiciary and the Press to protect the rights of Americans.  Now, defying our Constitution, Brendan Carr, the FCC Chairman, has threatened to revoke the license of news organizations that report negative information about the Iran War.

Of course, those in the Trump Administration are focused solely on pleasing Our Dear Leader.  Their mission is to support and praise the opinions and actions of the King and, in their minds, truth is what Trump says it is.  Those who speak out against his deranged and dangerous decrees are thus considered to be enemies of the State.

Freedom of the Press is an essential element of our Democracy.  Efforts to control the news that we receive is just the latest and, in my opinion, the most disturbing step toward authoritarian rule.  

Dismantling Science

Among their many efforts to dismantle science, the Trump Administration now plans to shut down the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.  Their reason, according to the Budget Director, is that the Center is the leading force behind "climate change hysteria" in America.

Of course, it is also in a Blue State with a Democratic Governor who King Trump does not like.  Having dramatically reduced funding for medical research and a wide variety of environmental programs, the Administration has set its sights on all forms of science though I suspect military technology will be spared.

As several early spring storm systems have brought tornadic thunderstorms as far north as the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region, formerly unheard of in early March, one would think that climate change deserves a great deal of monitoring and research.  Indeed, the latest storm is bearing down on the Mid-Atlantic Coast this morning and Washington DC lies within the high risk zone for tornadoes.  Perhaps a direct hit on the ballroom might change Our Dear Leader's point of view. 

Escaping the Interstates

Over the last 29 years, since moving to Columbia, Missouri, we have made hundreds of trips to St. Louis and beyond.  During that time, Warrenton, Missouri, was, from my perspective, nothing more than a congested exit along Interstate 70, its immediate roads lined with service stations, fast food joints and strip malls.

Then, yesterday, as we drove to Klondike Park in Augusta, we took the Warrenton Exit and headed south on Route 47.  Within a few blocks, the congestion disappeared and the makings of a pleasant, small town unfolded.  Another couple of miles took us across scenic, rolling farmlands and, ten miles later, we began to descend through the Missouri River Hills, quilted with cattle ranches, vineyards and wineries.  My image of Warrenton had changed dramatically.

Too often, we assess cities and towns from our efficient network of Interstates, judging them as we zip by at 70 mph.  Though these efficient highways often cross scenic landscapes as well, they do little justice to the appeal of human settlements and their associated natural environments.  In my opinion, we should escape our Interstates whenever possible.

See also: Detour to Blue Highways 

Klondike Park

A relatively small but fascinating park in Augusta, Missouri, Klondike Park is centered on an abandoned silica sand quarry.  Paved, gravel and earthen trails lead throughout the preserve, offering views of the quarry lake (bordered by white sand beaches and cliffs of silica), leading to rustic campsites, circling a wetland, crossing a forested hillside and climbing to bluffs that offer a sweeping view of the Missouri River Valley.

While the quarry site is especially unique, we encountered a pleasing mix of wildlife as well.  Chorus frogs called from the wetland shallows, eastern phoebes, just back from the south, sang their namesake tune from trees near the lake, turkey vultures sailed along the bluffs and a lone bald eagle soared overhead.

Though we chose not to climb a steep path onto the bluffs, we enjoyed our visit on this mild, sunny morning and encourage others to experience the beautiful geology.  Also of interest is the Park's Creative Arts Center; call ahead regarding its programs and hours of operation which vary through the seasons.  

The Grounding Movement

Down to Earth, a documentary that is currently available on Amazon Prime, summarizes the rise of the Grounding Movement, a theory that many, if not most, human maladies result from our having disconnected from the electro-chemical balance of Planet Earth.  Specifically, our electrical connection with the planet is disrupted by our use of shoes, work gloves, beds and artificial housing, among other modern conveniences of life and, as a result, we are no longer "electrically grounded."

Per this theory, the flow of electrons from the soil into our bodies is important in reducing inflammation, a destructive component of most forms of human disease.  The negatively-charged electrons neutralize free radicals that spawn inflammation and tissue destruction.  Reference is made to the use of soil contact by early human cultures to treat illness and to many personal testimonials from present day society.  A number of controlled medical studies are also cited.

Having trained for and practiced modern medical science, I am naturally skeptical of such simplistic theories.  In addition, I must point out that wild creatures and domestic livestock develop a wide range of diseases despite their constant contact with natural environments.  Nevertheless, I am well aware that we do not fully understand the many mysteries of our Universe and found the presentation to be fascinating.  An open mind is rarely misleading in medicine and a daily, barefoot walk in the grass is certainly more appealing than the regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs.  My thanks to my sister for calling my attention to this thought-provoking documentary. 

Roll Me Away

On my recent drive back from Colorado, I was listening to a stack of old CD mixes that I keep in my pickup.  Not remembering what tunes some of them contain, I was pleased and a bit emotional when Roll Me Away, by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, suddenly rose from the aging speakers.  Released in 1982, when we lived in Denver full time, it always stirs my feelings for the American West.

Indeed, the song is about choice, desire and the need for change, speaking to the lure of open spaces for many of us who grew up in the industrial Midwest.  Of course, reference to the freedom of a young hawk helps to solidify the power of the story.

A music person, I always associate songs with certain periods in my life and Roll Me Away evokes a time when family responsibilities were in a tug of war with personal preferences.  Most of us manage to compromise throughout the course of our lives but the flame of truth is never fully extinguished. 

In the Clash Zone

This morning, a potent cold front stretches from South Texas to Lake Michigan, bowing slightly to. the west.  The central low of the storm system currently swirls near Omaha, Nebraska.

Ahead of the front, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico is streaming northward.  Here in central Missouri, we expect an afternoon high in the mid 80s F before colder, drier air pushes in from the northwest.  Strong thunderstorms with possible tornadoes and large hail will develop by late evening and continue into the morning hours; at least an inch of rain is expected.

This classic spring scenario, the product of an undulating jet stream, brings welcome moisture but a significant risk of flash flooding and destructive winds throughout the clash zone.  For many winter weary humans, it is the temperature drop of 30-40 degrees behind the front that is least welcome.  

Like the Good Old Refuge

When a friend and I arrived at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this morning, we were reminded of the fabulous wetland refuge that we knew before the recent man-induced drought.  Open water was extensive and hundreds of ducks fed in the shallows or dove in the deeper pools.

Northern shovelers dominated the waterfowl though most expected species were observed; the first blue-winged teal of the season were among them.  A pair of bald eagles were at their nest and American coot nodded their way across the central channel.  On the other hand, we did not encounter any great blue herons or hawks and few songbirds were seen.

Nevertheless, it was a pleasant and reassuring visit.  Migrant geese and American white pelicans have been reported at the refuge over the past weeks and the spring migration season is just beginning to unfold.  We'll be back on a regular basis to witness the annual spectacle and to immerse ourselves in this restored wetland ecosystem, 

Alaska Drilling Declined

As the Trump Administration demonstrates its disdain for science, specifically related to conservation and climate change, oil leases have been offered in ecologic-sensitive regions of Alaska, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Fortunately, to date, American oil companies have declined to bid for those opportunities.  This past week's sale, involving Cook's Inlet, did not elicit a single bid.

Citing the expense of drilling in those areas and an adequate supply of oil from other sources, these energy companies likely also sense the financial and political consequences of ignoring ecological responsibilities that will outlast the current Administration.

Indeed, as Trump and his cronies attempt to roll back decades of environmental progress, private companies understand that political disruptions are relatively brief and, thankfully, remain focused on long-term sustainability.  We must acknowledge the vital role that they play in our stewardship of the planet.  After all, they have grandchildren too. 

A Heart of Darkness

Heading east across the High Plains yesterday, my pickup was buffeted by strong, south winds from Goodland, Kansas, to Hays.  Since the air was warm and dry, no clouds raced across the deep, blue sky and I could not readily explain the cause of the intense wind.

This morning, as I continued eastward, those potent winds were still blowing and strands of clouds appeared overhead, all pointing toward the northeast.  These strands thickened and darkened as I entered more eastern regions of the Great Plains, indicating that Gulf of Mexico moisture was being drawn northward by the wind.

Then, as the highway climbed atop the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, broad views unfolded to the north revealing dark skies that stretched across the horizon, topped by towering cumulonimbus clouds.  This was the heart of the pinwheel-like storm, beneath which heavy rain and probable hail were pelting the ground.  Quite a spectacle from a safe distance. 

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 dramatically 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.