Spring Arrives in November

Following a long, scorching summer and a brief period of autumn-like weather, spring has returned to central Missouri.  A steady, southern flow of humid air has pushed the afternoon high into the lower 70sF, ahead of a storm front that will arrive later this evening.

Rain is expected before midnight and will continue through much of tomorrow; indeed, more than an inch of precipitation is expected.  Since we have not yet experienced a freeze in this area, greenery still dominates the landscape though the first batch of fallen leaves have the leaf blowers screaming.

The only other evidence that this November spring is an illusion is provided by the birds.  There are no summer residents or spring migrants to be found; only permanent and winter residents grace the yard, some of which likely resent the balmy conditions.  As for us humans, an afternoon in the low 70s is not hard to take and the coming rains are desperately needed. 

Desert Rain to Mountain Snow

This morning, a potent low off Southern California is directing an "atmospheric river" of tropical moisture across the Desert Southwest, increasing the risk of flash flooding in cities and canyons.  In concert, a cold front is arriving from the northwest, pulling heavy rain northeastward into Southwest Colorado and, later today, igniting thunderstorms across New Mexico and West Texas.

As the flow of moisture curls back to the northwest, augmented by inflow from the Gulf of Mexico, snow is expected to fall across the Colorado mountains, a welcome development following last year's limited snowpack.  Hopefully, this storm system is a harbinger of a snowy winter to come.

Indeed, the effects of our warming climate are not yet clear but alternating periods of drought and heavy precipitation seem to be developing, the products of a fickle yet energized jet stream and steadily warming seas.  Adjusting to such fluctuations will challenge all forms of life across the globe (humans included). 

Disband the Parties

Perhaps more than during any other time in American history, the Two-Party system has failed this country.  Too concerned about offending the President or their colleagues, politicians have remained faithful to their Party, ignoring the risks and illegalities that may arise.

Furthermore, big money flows through the Parties, encouraging compliance and mutual support; individual principles are often cast aside in order to meet the demands of the powerbrokers and wealthy donors.  Fear and job security govern votes in the House and Senate.

Would it not be best to have independent candidates running for any give office with reasonable limits placed on financial donations?  Such a system would better reflect the will of the American people and prevent the rise of an unhinged President who freely appoints incompetent cabinet members and initiates war or vanity projects without the consent of Congress. 

An Adventure in the Ozarks

Searching for a new hiking location, my wife came across Clifty Creek Natural Area, part of Clifty Creek Conservation Area, SSW of Vienna, Missouri, off Route 28.  As we approached that refuge, her GPS suggested an alternate route to the trailhead.  Since that road was paved, we decided to take the shortcut but the pavement soon disappeared.  Road signs were also absent (or destroyed by shotgun pellets) and we made turns in response to our GPS location; unfortunately, that signal was lost for periods of time and the movie Deliverance soon crossed my mind.

An hour or so after leaving Route 28, we finally located the unmarked parking lot and set off on a rocky trail that zig-zagged into a gorge where Clifty Creek is lined with bluffs of dolomite (see photo).  Though we initially planned to hike to a Natural Arch, its distance, our age and the uneven trail surface combined to discourage that goal.

Nevertheless, we enjoyed a pleasant and scenic drive through the Ozarks and received more than enough exercise during our foreshortened hike.  Warm, sunny weather and muted autumn colors further rewarded our decision.

Speaking to Agents

Call to schedule car service, to arrange home repair or to make an appointment and you will likely be speaking with an AI agent.  Pleasant, efficient and tireless, these agents can be a welcome change at times.

Nevertheless, the 130,000-year era of human communication has taken a major hit and, no doubt, it will only fade more rapidly in the future.  Even now, AI agents are providing front line medical advice and referrals in underserved areas.  More disturbing are the friendships and relationships that are developing between agents and lonely humans.

Of course, we are promised that "guardrails" will be in place to protect our privacy and security but we know that similar reassurances have proved ineffective in this modern digital age.  Then again, the agents are especially nice. 

Let it Flow!

Though it was cloudy and cool on the Missouri River floodplain this morning, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area was beautiful to behold.  The reason?  Water was once again flowing through its channels and pools, nourishing the parched landscape.

In response, a small flock of mallards joined the coot and pied-billed grebes that have recently endured the shrinking shallows.  Better yet, flocks of blue-winged teal raced overhead, reminding one of the good old days when the refuge teemed with waterfowl.  Other sightings this morning, among 24 avian species, included an adult bald eagle, a female northern harrier, two red-tailed hawks and an increasing assortment of grassland sparrows.

But the flowing water was the highlight of my visit.  How long it will persist is unknown to this reporter but one hopes that the spigots were opened for ecologic reasons, not just to improve the duck hunting experience. 

Harris's Sparrow

Harris's sparrow is the largest sparrow in North America (if one excludes towhees) but has a very restricted range.  After breeding in the stunted boreal forest of north-central Canada, they migrate to the Central and Southern Plains of the U.S. for the winter.  The width of that winter range extends from the Front Range urban corridor of Colorado to central Missouri, the two locations in which I have now observed them.

During the winter months, they are best found in brushy areas or open woodlands; on the Great Plains, such habitat is best found along and near stream corridors.  While they feast on insects during the Arctic summer, they switch to a diet of berries and seeds during the colder months.

The plumage of Harris's sparrows varies with both maturity and the seasons but their large size, long tail, black cap and bright white breast are consistent field marks.  Though fairly common across the heart of the Plains, they are rarely observed near the margins of their winter range.  I was thus very fortunate to have encountered one yesterday at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (my first in Missouri). 

Winter Residents Return

Yesterday, while walking around Perry Phillips Lake, I encountered a small flock of white-crowned sparrows, the first I have observed in Columbia since mid spring.  Favoring open country, these winter residents are best found in shrubs and thickets along wood margins, pastures, streams or lakeshores.

Back home, I observed the season's first dark-eyed juncos in our backyard.  Common in a wide variety of habitats during the colder months, they will grace our neighborhood through early April when they gather in large flocks before heading north.  A more interesting sighting was of three yellow-bellied sapsuckers that briefly landed in a large maple tree before moving off together; not a species that migrates in flocks, their grouping was certainly a unique and unexpected observation.

Down at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, most of the birds were permanent residents though two migrants (pied-billed grebes and American coot) were also present.  With regard to winter residents, white-crowned sparrows were abundant and I encountered a single ruby-crowned kinglet and a lone Harris's sparrow.  Swamp sparrows, American tree sparrows, white-throated sparrows and fox sparrows should turn up soon; rough-legged hawks, short-eared owls and merlins may also winter on the Missouri River floodplain. 

Life & Choice

From our earliest days of independence, our life is governed by the choices that we make.  These may relate to relationships, friendships, career plans, beliefs and a wide variety of personal commitments. 

Some of the choices are dramatic, life-altering events while many are subtle and barely remembered.  Some may be impulsive while others are made after an agonizing period of rumination.  Nevertheless, over time, they all define our life and determine both our level of satisfaction and our happiness.

It is late in life that our choices are most closely reviewed.  They can now be placed in the context of our overall life story and more clearly judged now that the consequences are known.  Regrets may surface but, by then, we have learned that they are an unavoidable component of the human condition.  It is our willingness to accept responsibility for our choices, however recent or long ago, that lets us bow out with grace.

Outdoor Reading Season

My favorite time of year has returned: Outdoor Reading Season.  The oppressive heat and humidity of summer have moved south, replaced by relatively cool air and less intense sunshine.  Great conditions for reading (and/or napping).

Those who can only read in silent rooms will find outdoor reading nearly impossible.  The nearby and distant whine of mowers and leaf blowers is, unfortunately, ever present.  Then there are the chatter of squirrels, the raucous calls of jays and crows and the softer but persistent yanks of nuthatches.

But the weather is perfect for absorbing a chapter or two or, better yet, a truly-short short story.  One has his or her limits and those are mine. 

From Diversity to Survival

Throughout the warmer months of the year, April through September in the Northern Hemisphere, we birders take note of the fabulous diversity of avian residents and migrants that reside in or visit our neighborhoods and nature preserves.  Some species are permanent residents, others are summer residents and many are transient visitors, simply migrating through our area.

For those of us in the Temperate Zone, the summer residents and transient visitors have left for more southern climes by mid October and the first winter residents are beginning to arrive.  Having raised their young up north, they, like our permanent residents, tend to gather in mixed flocks, assisting one another in the search for food during these colder, shorter days of the year.  Such feeding groups often appear for brief periods of time before moving on to their next source of nutrition.

Augmenting their chance of survival, most of our winter residents sport rather drab plumage, blending in with the seasonal landscape.  Then again, accipiters, kestrels and red-shouldered hawks will get their fair share.  

Another Sluggish Migration

On this beautiful, cool, sunny morning in central Missouri, a friend and I hoped to see a fair variety of waterfowl at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.  Alas, our sightings were limited to four Canada Geese, a half-dozen mallards and ten pied-billed grebes.

Now in limited access mode due to duck hunting and waterfowl refuge restrictions at the refuge, neither seemed warranted in light of our count.  Not long ago, when Eagle Bluffs was a vast wetland, thousands of geese, ducks, coot and grebes would grace the floodplain by mid October.  Today, due in part to reduced open water at the refuge but also to warmer conditions up north, the autumn waterfowl migration is not peaking until much later in the season.

Indeed, this sluggish fall migration, observed in recent years, is surely a reflection of our warming climate.  Not responsive to the solar cycle, waterfowl head south when lakes and wetlands freeze over, blocking their food supply.  Until then, we'll enjoy watching the raptors. 

Watching Autumn Arrive

Hiking around Perry Phillips Lake on this sunny, cool morning, I observed a thick band of dark clouds across the northwestern horizon.  Having watched the Weather Channel earlier in the day, I knew that it was the leading edge of a cold front that will push across the Midwest over the next 24 hours.  Freeze warnings are in place for the Upper Midwest tonight while, here in Missouri, a frost warning is in effect.

Out on the lake, an osprey and a pied-billed grebe hunted for their breakfast while flocks of noisy Canada geese passed overhead, seemingly declaring the onset of autumn.  Other than a lone, chatty northern mockingbird, songbirds were relatively inactive and quiet, perhaps in response to the atmospheric change.

By the time I completed the 1.4 mile loop, the cloud bank had reached Columbia, temporarily blocking out the bright October sunshine.  At least for now, autumn has displaced our long, hot, miserable summer.  

Gestalt Traveling

Now heading back to Columbia, we very much enjoyed our journey across "the top" of Lake Superior and managed to hit all the highlights that my wife had researched and organized prior to the trip.  But, in the end, I engage in gestalt traveling, most interested in the topography, hydrology, geology, natural history and ecology of the landscapes through which I wander.

Though each planned stop was both fascinating and educational, it is their place in the overall regional environment that garnered my attention.  Whether I encountered expected wildlife species or not,  I knew they were present and understood their vital role in the varied ecosystems of Western Ontario.

Back in June of 2023, I made the same general points in Gestalt Birding.  We naturalists cannot divorce any element of nature from its dependence on and interaction with all other components of the environment.  

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Covering 600 square miles, the beautiful yet rugged terrain of Lake Superior Provincial Park begins just south of Wawa.  Route 17 initially runs through the heart of the refuge before paralleling the lakeshore in its southern portion.

Forested hills, whitewater streams, secluded lakes and wetlands (photo) characterize most of this fabulous refuge while scenic coves line Lake Superior.  An inviting Visitor Center is off Route 17 on Agawa Bay, near the south end of the Park.

Following a week of sunshine and relatively warm weather, we endured chilly, wet, windy conditions during our visit to the Park today.  Hoping that the inclement weather might increase our opportunity to see moose, bear and wolves, we drove along a number of backroads and scouted out a wide variety of lakes and wetlands.  Alas, no sightings to report. 

Down Superior's East Coast

About ten miles south of Marathon, Ontario, Route 17 cuts away from the Lake, crossing relatively open terrain with less topographic relief.  Then, just south of White River, it climbs onto a broad ridge of forested hills, studded with scenic lakes.

Nearing the town of Wawa, the highway descends from that ridge.  There we headed east on Route 101 and drove almost 40 miles to The Potholes, a small but fascinating Provincial Park that highlights the power of the Pleistocene glaciers and the force of their meltwater torrents along the Kinniwabi River (see photo).

Back in Wawa, we visited High Falls on the Magpie River, Silver Falls, Sandy Beach and, south of town, Old Woman's Bay; photos of these destinations will be rotated with other Ontario scenes in the right hand column of this blog over the coming weeks.  Today, we head down to Lake Superior Provincial Park, among the largest refuges in the network.  Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians!  

Pukaskwa National Park

Located south of Marathon, Ontario, Pukaskwa National Park covers 725 square miles; the great majority of this area is protected wilderness, accessible only by backcountry trails.  For those of us no longer able to engage in such activity, the Park's northwest corner still has plenty to offer.

Covering an area along the Lake Superior shoreline and just south of the Pic River, this more accessible portion offers a pleasing mix of trails, boardwalks and beach excursions that offer spectacular views of rocky headlands and offshore islands (photo).  Massive accumulations of driftwood cover some beach sections.

Away from the shore, a fine trail loop circles Lac a mi Chemin, where moose may be observed early or late in the day; among other wildlife species in the Park are black bear, wolves, lynx, river otters and bald eagles.  Finally, a well-maintained campground invites an overnight stay for those equipped to do so.  

Aguasabon Provincial Park

At the west end of Terrace Bay, Ontario, is Aguasabon Provincial Park, renowned for its scenic gorge and waterfall.  Visitors can take a winding boardwalk down to a deck that overlooks both of these features (photo).

The Park also offers a woodland trail to its Beach or you can drive down to the beach lot from outside the Provincial Park grounds.  The dark-sand beach stretches along a scenic cove, guarded by jagged rock formations at each end and offering views of barren offshore islands.

The beach, like many along the North Coast of Lake Superior, appeared to be popular for agate hunting.  This is not surprising in light of the ancient volcanic strata that characterize this region. 

Ouimet Canyon

Another spectacular natural landscape in Western Ontario is Ouimet Canyon, about an hour northeast of Thunder Bay, off Highway 17.  Steep-walled and narrow, the Canyon protects Arctic plants that were established in its chilly, shaded base during the Pleistocene Epoch (2 million to 10,000 years ago).

The Ouimet Canyon walls are composed of diabase, about 1 billion years old, that was apparently compressed and cracked by the Pleistocene glaciers, triggering an erosive process that has included the intrusion of glacial meltwater, freeze-thaw cycles and rock falls.  Of course, such gradual erosion continues today.

A fine loop trail leads visitors from the parking lot out to two overlook decks that extend beyond the Canyon walls; watch for ruffed grouse in the woodlands during your hike.  We highly recommend a visit to Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park for those traveling through this region of Ontario. 

Kakabeka Falls

Perhaps the most well known and heavily visited natural feature in Western Ontario is Kakabeka Falls on the Kaministiquia River, 24 miles west of Thunder Bay.  Dropping 130 feet in several powerful torrents, it is often referred to as the Niagara Falls of the North.

Kakabeka Falls is protected within a Provincial Park and can be viewed from boardwalks and stairways on both sides of the river.  During our brief visit this morning, my wife and I agreed that it is one of the most impressive cascades that we have had the pleasure to visit. 

The geology of Kakabeka Falls is also of interest.  A resistant capstone of chert overlies soft shale of the Gunflint Formation, 1.8 billion years old; within this shale, fossils of ancient stromatolites have been discovered.  As the shale erodes beneath the chert caprock, the latter plunges into the gorge and the waterfall slowly retreats upstream. 

Lake Superior's Northwest Coast

From Duluth, Minnesota, Route 61 winds northeastward above the northwest shore of Lake Superior, lined with overlooks, ancient basalt cliffs, resorts and State Parks.  West of the highway rise the Sawtooth Highlands (elevations about 2300 feet), ablaze with fall color this time of year (photo).  Of note, the surface of Lake Superior is 600 feet above sea level, somewhat lower than I would have expected.

About 150 miles from Duluth, Route 61 crosses the Pigeon River and enters Ontario, Canada.  From this border, the highway cuts away from the Lake and enters more open terrain, studded with massive loaves of volcanic rock; these formations are remnants of incomplete continental rifting more than one billion years ago (comparable to the Rio Grande and East African Rifts occurring in modern times).

A chain of these domes stretches west from Thunder Bay, where visitors (for a fee) can drive onto Mount McKay for a spectacular view of the city and its natural harbor. 

Land of Ancient Rock

Having visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on several occasions in the past, my wife and I are very familiar with the southern shore of Lake Superior.  This coming week, we will explore its northern shore, where outcrops of ancient Precambrian rocks adorn the scenery and where a string of Ontario parks and nature preserves line the coast.

The rock strata, the youngest of which formed at least 100 million years before life crawled from the sea, are best observed along roadcuts, stream valleys and lake shores and we will surely observe many of them as we travel along the northern edge of Lake Superior.

Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago, life evolved in the sea about 3.6 billion years ago and plate tectonics is thought to have begun by 2.5 billion years ago.  Most of the rocks exposed along the North Shore of Lake Superior are 1-2 billion years old.  Of course, the Great Lakes themselves are much younger, having formed during the last glacial period of the Pleistocene Epoch, the Wisconsin Glaciation, 70-10 thousand years ago (well after humans had evolved).  See: Formation of the Great Lakes  

A Welcome Evolution at Eagle Bluffs

Arriving at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area just after sunrise, a friend and I found that most of the floodplain was obscured by dense fog after cool air had settled in the Missouri River Valley overnight.  Fortunately, as the sun rose and the air warmed, the fog gradually diminished.

Finally able to scan the landscape, we found that water levels have increased significantly, just in time for the arrival of duck hunters later in the month.  On the other hand, few water birds had yet to take advantage of the change; only eight pied-billed grebes, five great blue herons, two American coot and a lone mallard were observed.  Clouds of red-winged blackbirds and a couple-dozen turkey vultures were the only sizable flocks.  In total, thirteen avian species were encountered during our visit.

No doubt, the rising waters will attract significant flocks of waterfowl over the next couple of months but birdwatching access will be limited once hunting begins.  Nevertheless, the sight of flowing water and expanding pools was reassuring on that desiccated floodplain. 

The Mexico-Kansas Express

Leaving Denver on this clear, cool autumn morning, I noted a dusting of snow on Mt. Blue Sky, a "Fourteener" west of the city; looking to the south, I saw that Pike's Peak was completely snow covered. This early season snow, the first along the Front Range this fall, reflects the impact of Hurricane Polo's recent moisture plume, combined with a cold front that swept in from the northwest.

More impressive were flooded fields throughout western Kansas, an area that was in a prolonged drought until it found itself in Polo's crosshairs.  Indeed, the Hurricane's swath of heavy rain passed right through that area, reaching as far northeast as Minnesota.

To encounter pools of tropical moisture across the semiarid environment of the High Plains was a clear sign that Earth's ecosystems are interconnected.  No doubt, as our climate warms, this fact will become impossible to ignore. 

A Red Fox Returns II

As I reported in the original post, A Red Fox Returns, published in August of 2020, the presence or absence of red fox on our Littleton farm has a significant impact on the cottontail population (and I suspect on the number of mice and voles as well).  Indeed, for the past six months or so, fox have been absent and the rabbits have returned, kept in check only by hawks and owls.

Late yesterday morning, a red fox sauntered across the back of our property, nose to the ground.  Since he or she had not yet grown a thick winter coat, our new resident or visitor looked like a juvenile; on the other hand, following a long, hot summer, one might expect such a svelte appearance.  Whether it is our long term female resident or a young adventurer, its decision to stay on the farm will spell trouble for the cottontails and other prey species.

One of the benefits of owning a sizable piece of property (if only three acres) is the opportunity to observe the interaction of wild residents and visitors over time, including the arrival of unexpected species.  While a balance is generally maintained in large ecosystems, smaller sanctuaries highlight the population gyrations that relate directly to the availability of food sources (whether vegetative or animal). 

Tiny Travelers II

Walking along the South Platte River early this morning, I encountered a relatively small number and variety of birds.  Almost all were common, permanent residents of the Front Range urban corridor.

A rewarding exception was the presence of two Wilson's warblers, flitting about the riverside shrubs in search of insects.  Very small and active, this species breeds and summers high in the mountains, often along alpine lakes near timberline.  The pair that I observed this morning are likely on their way to Mexico for the colder months, though some migrate only to the Gulf Coast or to southernmost California.

On this cloudy, cool morning, they seemed to be in no hurry to head south, apparently finding plenty of sustenance in the shrubbery.  I watched them from a bench for twenty minutes or so and then moved on to enjoy my own breakfast. 

Hurricane Polo floods the Southwest

One of the strongest hurricanes to ever form in the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Polo has weakened to a Category 3 storm before crossing the northern Baja Peninsula.  Nevertheless, its copious moisture has and will continue to drench the Four Corners Region.  Flash flooding is expected to occur due to the mountainous terrain, the torrential downpours and the hard, non-absorbent, desert soil.

A cold front, approaching from the northwest, will intensify the flow of moisture from Polo, sending it through the Four Corners States and across the Great Plains; the Southern Plains will receive most of the rain as moisture flows in from both the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico.  Though that area has been in a prolonged drought, too much rain over a short period of time will flood the streams while offering limited drought relief.

Furthermore, powerful waves, spreading north from Polo, will rake the coast of Southern California, exacerbating the damage recently caused by Hurricane Marie.  Meanwhile, the Atlantic Basin remains quiet as a Super El Niño suppresses tropical development in that oceanic region. 

Medicare for All

Call it socialism if you wish but, in my opinion, all Americans deserve access to quality medical care, regardless of their income.  A universal healthcare system is in order, modified by copays or secondary insurance depending on one's level of wealth.

Indeed, the wealthy will always have the opportunity to pay for concierge medicine, top-of-the-line research centers and limited access to new therapies should they choose to do so.  We need not absolutely mimic inefficient European systems but we must restore vital services to every American.

No doubt, objections will arise from the insurance industry and, of course, from those already comfortable with their level of healthcare.  But ignoring the injustice of our current system, especially egregious when Conservative Republicans are in charge, is inexcusable. 

Journey toward the Moon

As I left  Hays, Kansas, early this morning, the bright, full, Harvest Moon gleamed high in the western sky.  Heading toward it on Interstate 70, I was soon enveloped by dense fog that obscured the surrounding landscape.  Only the road in front of me and our beautiful satellite were visible, creating the illusion that I was traveling to the moon.

By the time I reached Ogalla, Kansas, the fog was too dense for safe travel and I pulled off the highway for half an hour; the rising sun eventually warmed the air, the fog began to dissipate and I resumed my journey.  As the sunlight intensified, the brilliance of the moon faded in concert until it finally disappeared behind a distant cloud bank as I approached Oakley, Kansas.

By then, residual fog was limited to the shallow stream valleys and the combination of dry air and bright sunshine highlighted every feature of the High Plains landscape.  An early appointment tomorrow should offer another view of the Harvest Moon from our Littleton, Colorado, farm (sky conditions permitting). 

A Nor'Easter slams the Northeast

While a strong El Niño has suppressed Atlantic hurricanes this year, a potent, slow-moving Nor'Easter threatens the Northeast Coast this weekend.  Already producing coastal flooding in the Mid-Atlantic States, the storm is expected to crawl northward and intensify in the coming days.

Fifty to sixty mph winds are forecast to lash the region, accompanied by torrential rain and coastal flooding.  Long Island and southern New England appear to be at the greatest risk of storm damage though major disruption of travel and outdoor events will occur from Virginia to Maine.

Named for their strong, persistent, northeast winds, Nor'Easters are most common in late winter.  To experience one in late September is very rare, perhaps the latest sign of our warming climate. 

Celebrity & Journalism

Freedom of the press is vital to the health of our Democracy, especially when an Administration attempts to restrict its reach.  Investigative journalists are at the heart of the press corps and their reports insure that we are kept aware of political, financial and corporate maneuvering, whether that activity is positive or negative, legal or illegal.

On the other hand, TV "journalists" are essentially broadcasters.  Some may have political or corporate backgrounds but they are now engaged primarily in commentary, interviews, news reporting and, increasingly it seems, entertainment.  Most willingly accept their celebrity role, many have written books and an increasing number host their own podcasts.  More disturbing is the recent use of viewer clubs and regional gatherings to market themselves and their programming; in essence, the public is invited to become active participants in the growth of their celebrity.

It is essential that Americans understand this distinction.  Our vote must be governed by facts, not by the opinions and convictions of on-air celebrities, however closely their pontifications may match our personal philosophy. 

An Afternoon at Eagle Bluffs

Over the 29 years that I have been heading down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, I do not recall visiting in the afternoon....until yesterday.  As a result, I encountered the fewest birds ever at that floodplain refuge; to be clear, the number of species (13) was not a new low but the overall number of individuals surely seemed to be.

On the other hand, the weather was especially pleasant: cloudy and mild.  Furthermore, I did observe an osprey, an adult bald eagle and a river otter among more common species of wildlife.  In addition, except for two wildlife photographers, I had the refuge all to myself for most of my two hour visit.

Once again, the water level was exceptionally low but I suspect it will recover before duck hunting season gets underway and half of the refuge is closed to birders.  After all, we cannot compete with their financial value to the Department of Conservation. 

Seasonal Change at Phillips Lake

Yesterday, on the last day of astronomical summer, there were signs of autumn at Phillips Lake in southeast Columbia.  Relatively mild air had displaced the dome of heat and a steady east breeze modified the impact of a potent September sun.

A pair of ospreys had stopped by to fish on the lake though migrant waterfowl have not yet arrived.  On the other hand, cedar waxwings have formed their large, wandering winter flocks and a trio of yellow-rumped warblers, winter residents at this latitude, scoured a lakeside tree.  Of course a wide variety of early autumn wildflowers adorned the meadows and the ripening berries of pokeweed await the avian harvest (photo).

We can only hope that the summer heat is gone for good but experience suggests otherwise.  At least the shorter days are bringing in the first messengers of autumn. 

Following the Wabash

Returning to Missouri from our brief visit to Northeast Ohio, my wife and I decided to take a new route across Indiana, avoiding the series of Interstate Highways that we have used in the past.  Heading west from Fort Wayne on U.S. 24, we soon realized that our journey was paralleling the course of the Wabash River.

After rising south of Fort Recovery, Ohio, the Wabash flows northwestward to Huntington, Indiana, where it is dammed.  Exiting that reservoir, it flows to the WSW as far as Attica, where it angles to the SSW on its way to join the Ohio River at the southwest tip of Indiana, over 500 miles from its source.  Indeed, the Wabash is the largest northern tributary of the Ohio.

On our route, from Fort Wayne to Interstate 74, we crossed the Wabash at Lewisburg (on U.S. 24), in Lafayette, just southwest of West Lafayette (on U.S. 52) and south of Covington (on I-74).   Learning that it drains most of the Hoosier State and at least a quarter of Illinois, one is impressed by the size of the Wabash River's watershed.  

Fracking in Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest, the only National Forest in Ohio, covers 250,000 acres in the southeast region of that State; this protected landscape, long a haven for naturalists, hikers, campers and hunters is broken into three units.

Now, as we learned during our visit to Ohio, Trump's Bureau of Land Management has sold leases on almost 3000 acres of the Forest for oil and gas exploration, including the use of fracking.  Of course, these operations will impact far more acreage than the lease zones themselves, due to the effects of road development, traffic, pollution and water requirements.

Once again, the Trump Administration is attacking as many environmental laws, refuges and protected ecosystems as possible, demonstrating their unbridled support for energy production and disdain for conservation.  They ridicule the science and consequences of climate change and bolster fossil fuel use wherever and whenever possible.   

An Offensive Gimmick

Yesterday morning, I tuned into College Game Day on ESPN just in time to watch a college student win one million dollars by kicking a field goal.  What an offensive gimmick, witnessed by football fans across the nation, many of whom work two jobs to pay their rent and feed their family, perhaps foregoing medical care to do so.

Corporate America, apparently including Disney (majority owner of ESPN), is insensitive to the outrageous economic disparity that characterizes this country.  A reward in the $100s would seem to be more appropriate.

Beyond this made-for-TV spectacle, such instant wealth encourages young people to pursue gambling, online stardom and other high risk ventures rather than more traditional and more satisfying routes to a successful career.  If Disney has money to burn, I suggest they take a more socially responsible approach to spending it.  

Wood Hollow Metro Park

On this rainy morning in Northeast Ohio, we drove over to Wood Hollow Metro Park, in Summit County.  Enticed by the promise of a 1.2 mile hike across flat terrain, we did not otherwise know what to expect.

As is often the case, we were pleasantly surprised by a well-engineered trail loop, which runs atop a fine boardwalk and several bridges to negotiate low terrain and streams throughout the mature forest.  The final portion of the route winds across a prairie ecosystem, adorned with goldenrod, ironweed, white asters and other wildflowers at this time of year.

Northeast Ohio offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, from Cuyahoga Valley National Park to small preserves such as Wood Hollow.  Always seeking new areas to explore, we are never disappointed. 

The Water Birds of Sandy Lake

Though I have been visiting Sandy Lake, in Portage County, Ohio, since 1975, I did not begin reporting for eBird from this location until 2017.  Reviewing my records since that year, I am somewhat surprised that I have only encountered 11 species of "water birds" feeding on or along the lake.

Some, such as Canada geese, mallards, ring-billed gulls and double-crested cormorants are seasonally abundant while others, such as pied-billed grebes have only been observed on occasion.  Ospreys are reliably seen here during the warmer months and great blue herons stalk the shorelines throughout the year.  Bald eagles, though observed during all seasons, are especially common during the winter. Rounding out the list are wood ducks, belted kingfishers and green herons.

Though I'm almost certain that I've seen common loons and great egrets at Sandy Lake in the past, they have escaped my eBird lists.  Of course, bird sightings rely a great deal on seasonal timing and records are only as reliable as the diligence of the recorder.  In that respect, my pre-2017 observations, however accurate, are questionable.  

Kame-Esker Park

Kame-Esker Park, a new refuge within the Portage County Park System, is just south of Kent, Ohio.  The secluded meadows, wetlands and mixed woodlands attract a wide variety of wildlife while the Park's hillocks, ridges and erratic boulders highlight its glacial features.

A graveled loop guides visitors through the varied ecosystems where signs offer information on the Park's flora, fauna and geologic history.  Longer, earthen trail loops invite exploration by more adventurous patrons.

For those puzzled by the Park's name: kames are dome-shaped till deposits that formed beneath glaciers while eskers are snaking, linear till formations laid down by meltwater streams as the glacier retreated.  Of course, modern-day vegetation, subsequent erosion and human "development" often obscure such ancient topography. 

From Lake Plain to Appalachia

After a night in Napoleon, Ohio, we continued our drive to Sandy Lake, in Portage County.  The first half of the journey took us across the flat Lake Plain of northwestern Ohio, left behind by the periglacial lakes of Lake Maumee and Lake Warren; the latter was the larger predecessor of Lake Erie.

Most of this flat terrain is now covered by crop fields, laced by streams, marshes and their riparian woodlands.  About halfway across the State, we encountered the foothills of the Appalachian Plateau, where the Ohio Turnpike is bordered primarily by forest.  Just east of Interstate 71, the highway makes its climb onto the Glaciated Appalachian Plateau of northeastern Ohio, the realm of our final destination.

Sandy Lake, southwest of Ravenna, is a kettle lake, since modified by distribution canals that connect it with other regional lakes and waterways.  Our cottage is on its north shore and a fine trail leads around its perimeter.  Reports from this pleasant retreat will follow in the coming days. 

Golden Farmlands

Heading for my wife's family cottage in northeast Ohio, we drove across the farmlands of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana today.  The overall scenery did not change much but golden hues painted the rural landscape.

In this early phase of meteorologic autumn, the soybean fields have turned yellow, the cornfields have dried out to a golden brown and the roadside vegetation was dominated by swaths of goldenrod.  Of course, all of this color brightened the countryside which was otherwise festooned with the fading greens of heat-stressed trees and shrubs.

Indeed, the golden highlights spoke of fall but the afternoon highs remained in the nineties F as this summer's heat dome retains a grip on the Heartland.  Of interest, the larger rivers, such as the Missouri, the Mississippi and the Wabash were bank full, fed by northern streams beyond the reach of the dome while regional creeks were nearly dry. 

Perfect Viewing, Little to See

On our return to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this morning, a friend and I were greeted by overcast skies, mild air and a calm wind, perfect for birdwatching.  Once again, water was limited to the central channel and a few shallow pools; to make matters worse, teal hunters had staked out positions along these limited waterways and their decoys far outnumbered live waterfowl.

Despite the ideal viewing conditions, birds were few and far between.  The highlight of the morning proved to be eleven pied-billed grebes; other sightings included a handful of great egrets, a green heron, four wood ducks, a couple of belted kingfishers and a sharp-shinned hawk.  In the end, we only encountered twelve avian species (though we did see a young skunk and a few deer).

As always, it was a pleasant drive across the Missouri River floodplain and we will return regularly to document any "wetland restoration."  Unfortunately, half of the refuge will be closed down for hunting (and as a wintering waterfowl refuge) in another two weeks. 

Weeds & Wildflowers

What is the difference between a "weed" and a wildflower?  I suspect it depends on the natural philosophy of the observer.

"Weeds" are generally described as noxious, invasive, alien plants that may be toxic and must be removed from our pristine lawns (most often with herbicides).  Then again, many of our beloved wildflowers are non-native, can be quite invasive and might be toxic if ingested.  Furthermore, both "weeds" and wildflowers are utilized by pollinators, are eaten by a wide variety of animals, from insects to humans (e.g. dandelions), and serve as carbon sinks, like all green plants.  Of course, the presence of attractive flowers tends to impact our classification.

I am inclined to avoid the use of the word "weed" (just ask my wife).  If it's green, let it live!

 

Energized by the Chill

Following a long, extremely hot and exhausting summer, the longer nights and local elevation are finally bringing an overnight chill to the Front Range.  It dropped to 49 degrees F in Littleton this morning.

Refreshing for us humans, the cooler air also energized our avian residents and visitors.  Seemingly more abundant but surely just more active, they were in celebration mode, moving rapidly among the trees and shrubs.  In addition to our more common residents, I encountered a Say's phoebe and a pair of red-breasted nuthatches; though they are now permanent residents along the Front Range urban corridor, the distinctive yanks of the latter birds will always be associated with autumn in my mind.  A lone broad-tailed hummingbird was also zooming about the property but I suspect he'll head south within another week or so.

Finally, just before returning to the house, a squadron of Canada geese flew low over the farm, honking loudly in the morning chill.  Though common here in all seasons, they never fail to awaken my boyhood memories of massive flocks, moving high above our Cincinnati home in the cold, clear, autumn sky.  

On Medical Privacy

Throughout our training, physicians are repeatedly reminded that we may not inform anyone of a patient's diagnosis, prognosis or treatment plan without their consent.  Of course, in emergency situations, especially when the patient is unable to communicate, immediate family members are generally an exception to that rule.  But even when informed by non-patients (e.g. friends or neighbors) of their medical problems, physicians are understandably reluctant to pass along such information to others.

Patients, on the other hand, vary widely in protecting their own confidentiality.  Some like to discuss their medical diagnoses with friends, family members and anyone who will listen.  We often encounter them in waiting rooms, relating their varied problems over the phone (sometimes in speaker mode) or to the person sitting next to them.

Unfortunately, these individuals are also inclined to ask others about the reason for their visit.  This is when patients need to understand their personal right to privacy and may choose to withhold that information.  Indeed, this may pertain to communication with friends and family members as well.  Medical confidentiality is a personal choice that must be respected. 

Living with our Past

We humans must live with choices that we make throughout our lives.  In a more collective sense, we must also deal with the consequences of decisions made by our families and our country.

Wanting to better understand the ongoing conflicts throughout the Middle East, I have been reading the Fifth Edition of A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield and Nicolas Pelham.  By doing so, it has become clear that European Colonialism and American opportunism have been the primary triggers for regional unrest.  However well-intentioned, especially with regard to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, their meddling has only exacerbated distrust.

Today, as the Trump Administration cuts ties with longtime allies and engages in military adventurism, we Americans must live with the consequences.  In like manner, the Administration's anti-science approach to medical care, environmentalism, education and research will have lasting negative effects. 

Lowell heads North

After churning westward south of the Hawaiian Islands over the past week, Hurricane Lowell has made its predicted turn to the north, drawn by a sagging cold front.  Having reached Category 5 strength a few days ago, it has weakened to a Category 3 storm but remains large and powerful.

Though it will likely miss the heavily populated eastern islands of Hawaii, Lowell may have a significant impact on Kauai and Niihau.  Indeed, its current heading is NNE, almost assuring that strong winds and high waves will lash those western islands.

Meteorology remains an inexact science and the "cone of uncertainty" for hurricanes is often too narrow.  Fortunately, officials in Hawaii have been proactive in this case, declaring a hurricane warning for most of the archipelago.  

Up the Platte River Valley

West of Omaha, Nebraska, Interstate 80 crosses the Platte River, a tributary of the Missouri.  From that crossing westward, the highway runs up and through the Platte Valley, paralleling the river and, at times, fording its braided channels.  At North Platte, the primary river forms from the merging of its North and South forks; the former heads in the mountains that surround North Park, in Colorado, while the South Platte rises from tributaries along the north rim of Colorado's South Park; the South Platte's North Fork rises along the Continental Divide and the Platte River Mountains near Kenosha Pass (on U.S. 285).

Crossing Nebraska on I-80 yesterday, I found that the landscape of eastern and central Nebraska is dominated by its famous cornfields while cattle ranches characterize its drier, more western reaches; of course, the Platte and its riparian woodlands wind along and through these landscapes and southern extensions of the Nebraska Sandhills rise along the north edge of the valley in central and western Nebraska.  Renowned for its waterfowl and spectacular sandhill crane congregations in October and March, the river and its floodplain lakes harbored only small flocks of Canada geese and American white pelicans on that hot summer day.

West of North Platte, I headed southwest on Interstate 76, which parallels the South Platte River.  By the time I reached our farm, in Littleton, Colorado, I had traveled 550 miles from Omaha and gained 4340 feet in elevation (a very gradual climb indeed).

Flashback Post LXXIX

The rescue of two living victims of the disastrous Nepal mudslide, after 10 days within the rubble, has led broadcasters and other commentators to refer to their survival as miraculous.  I am more inclined to attribute this wonderful news to luck and to the courageous, persistent efforts of rescuers, a sentiment I expressed back in March of 2011.

See: Disasters & Miracles 

Corruption & Cruelty

The Trump Administration is built on corruption and cruelty.  The overriding principle is to honor the President's needs and demands while condoning his abhorrent behavior.  Unable to contradict or even question Trump's deranged opinions and ideas, his Cabinet members cannot provide guidance, even if they were qualified to do so (and most are not).

The primary focus of the Administration is to deport immigrants and to attack Trump's perceived enemies.  Both goals are met via cruel and often illegal tactics.  Unfortunately, the Republican Congress and the Supreme Court are complicit, ignoring the corruption that has brought exorbitant wealth to Trump and his family.

Meanwhile, Americans must deal with inflation, an unwise war, a lack of affordable healthcare, rising mortgage rates and reduced funding for medical research and vital social services.  Vote Democratic in November! 

A Supercharged Monsoon

The tragic flash flooding in Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend was related to an energized Southwest Monsoon, producing torrential downpours throughout the Four Corners region.  A normal, annual weather pattern, generally stretching from July into September, the Monsoon sweeps moisture in from the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico.

This flow is driven by high pressure over the Southern Plains and by low pressure over the Desert Southwest.  When these atmospheric "pumps" are especially strong, the moisture is enhanced; in addition, storm systems in the Pacific and/or the Gulf of Mexico may inject excessive moisture into the Monsoon "river," increasing the risk of flooding.

As a tropical storm comes ashore near Houston and a tropical system moves up the west coast of Mexico, they may supercharge the Monsoon, augmenting the risk of flash floods from Southern California to Colorado.

A Morning for Wood Ducks

Returning to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a friend and I found even less water than was present early this month.  But the shallows that remain appealed to wood duck families and we encountered 32 of those attractive waterfowl, primarily along the central channel.

Other sightings of note included a Mississippi kite, a Cooper's hawk, a northern harrier, a pileated woodpecker and a mid-sized falcon (likely a merlin but too distant to identify).  A fair number of great egrets, a handful of great blue herons, a pair of red-tailed hawks and a mix of songbirds rounded out the sighting of 21 species.  As is almost always the case, red-winged blackbirds were most numerous.

Despite the dramatic loss of wetlands, it was a pleasant and somewhat productive visit from a birding point of view.  Though no construction or farming activities were underway, this once fabulous floodplain refuge is in desperate need of a prolonged recovery. 

A Better View of the Past

This morning, the Roman Space Telescope was successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Named for Nancy Grace Roman, the first Chief Astronomer at NASA, it will provide a broader and sharper view of the Universe than the Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990; it will also send back data at a much faster rate.

Whenever we look at the night sky we are looking into the past, when the light we see left the stars or was reflected by planets.  Roman will be capable of viewing the Universe back to a couple of hundred million years after its birth (currently calculated to have been 13.8 billion years ago).  It is also expected to unveil far more planets than previously documented and will significantly expand our understanding of dark matter and dark energy.

All of this data will improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Universe, a welcome development for scientists but yet another threat to those who rely on mysticism to explain our existence. 

The Glorious Fifties

During these difficult times, one often hears reference to the 1950s, the decade of my childhood, when our faith-based lives were simpler.

Back then, most women were housewives, families were larger, the "coloreds" knew their place and homosexuals were forced to stay in the closet.  Environmentalism had not yet threatened the profits of industry, we were blissfully unaware of child sexual abuse in the Church, Joseph McCarthy was ridding the country of "Commies" and the tragic events of Vietnam and the Middle East Wars lie in the future.  Finally, man-induced climate change would not become evident for several decades.

Over time, Progressives enlightened America and have been able to partly correct the injustices and misguided policies of the Fifties.  Conservatives, on the other hand, want us to return to that era.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Nepal's Tragic Mudslide

Yesterday, a massive mudslide, caught on video, swept through towns in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot Districts of Nepal.  It is believed that a mountain glacial collapse and subsequent flash flooding along the Trishuli River are responsible for the tragedy; at least 1000 persons were killed or are missing.

As the last Continental Ice Sheets of the Pleistocene began to retreat, about 15,000 years ago, Earth's climate has been gradually warming.  Eventually, permanent ice cover became limited to the Poles and to the highest mountain ranges on the planet.

Today, as global warming accelerates following the Industrial Revolution, the melting of polar and mountain glaciers has increased dramatically, setting the stage for flash floods, landslides, rising seas, stronger storms and many other challenging consequences.  No doubt, tragic events, such as occurred yesterday, will become a major risk for communities near the base of Earth's tallest peaks.

Kites in the Trees

A flock of Mississippi kites settled in the canopy of shade trees in our neighborhood this morning, whistling to one another.  As their "fall migration" approaches, they seem to be more interested in communicating than hunting.

Though it was a hot, humid day, their musical banter continued into the afternoon, once again demonstrating that they are unfazed by tropical heat.

Indeed, they will depart for South America before the first hint of autumn pushes into the Heartland.  I wish them a safe journey but, unlike them, I can't wait for the cool, crisp weather of fall.  Of course, that relief is now coming later every year.  

A Fascinating Disaster

Evidence of our warming climate unfolds every day from locations across the globe.  Severe storms, flooding rains, prolonged droughts, destructive winds and, of course, warming seas, grab the headlines.  This environmental disaster, the product of our Industrial Revolution, will only get worse over the coming decades.

Yet, for those of us interested in the natural sciences, it is a fascinating process to observe.  While the climate's effects on weather patterns are most obvious, it also alters natural food sources, migration patterns, water resources and vegetation cycles, among less evident factors.  Indeed, it's what we don't yet understand that is the most worrisome aspect of global warming.

The prospect that humans will unite to reverse climate change seems unlikely, especially on this politically fractured planet.  Whether we can adapt and survive as a species is also in question.  No doubt, many species will outlast our own.

A Greening of the High Plains

Thanks to recurrent clusters of thunderstorms and flooding rains from the Southwest Monsoon, the High Plains east of Denver are now relatively lush.  Herds of cattle and pronghorn appeared to be pleased with the development and, no doubt, so are the farmers and ranchers.

Compared with the dry terrain that greeted us two weeks ago, it looked like spring.  Adding to that impression, we traveled through relatively mild air, not the stifling heat of our westward journey.

Farther east, the High Plains of Kansas had not yet benefitted from a significant influx of rain.  Indeed, the grasslands retained the parched, yellowed appearance that bordered the highway in early August.  By the time we reached Hays, the temperature was in the mid nineties F, exacerbated by a steady south wind. 

Poisoned Forests

Mention National Forests and most of us think of large, pristine ecosystems, composed of ground cover, shrubs and trees and harboring a diverse population of animal life.  But in areas reforested following wildfire and clear-cutting, that image is invalid.

As reported on PBS News last evening, private and public forest "managers" of those areas have been using glyphosate, better known as Roundup, to clear all undergrowth that will shade-out young trees and stifle their growth.  While studies by Monsanto, the company that produces Roundup have "failed to demonstrate any harm to the environment or toxic effects on humans," many toxicologists believe that this herbicide is likely carcinogenic.

As the Trump Administration opens up more of our National Forests to logging, the use of this agent will only increase.  Indeed, per the PBS report, traces of the chemical are currently found in all rivers and streams of Northern California. 

Biden's Fault

King Trump, his adoring Court and his do-nothing Republican Congress have ballooned our National Debt to 40 trillion dollars in just 19 months.  Of course, they insist it's Biden's Fault.

Never mind the tariffs, the massive tax cuts for the wealthy, Trump's grift and vanity projects, the deportation of trained, reliable workers, the exorbitant cost of the cruel Ice Program, the Federal Government's investment in private companies and Our Dear Leader's failed gamble in Iran.

Fortunately, our once-respected Treasury Secretary promises to tweak a few financial levers and solve our disastrous debt crisis.  If that doesn't work, he can always blame Biden.  The unwillingness to take responsibility for the consequences of one's actions (or inaction) is, in my opinion, among the most disturbing of human traits.  

The Joy of Mulching

Our tree service recently cut down some large, dead limbs on our Littleton farm and left a huge pile of chipped wood per our request.  It saved both of us a significant amount of money.

Having used bagged mulch when we owned smaller properties, I know that it can be a hassle and, even worse, yields a large number of plastic bags.  Able to shovel fresh mulch into a wheelbarrow is a luxury and we now have more than we'll likely use this year.

Of course, the recycling of home-grown wood and its use to retain soil moisture and release nutrients in this semi-arid climate is rewarding, not to mention the exercise that comes with the task.  In the end, we are simply speeding up nature's cycle of death and renewal. 

Facing our Demise

By the time we humans reach our sixties, we begin to focus on our longevity and our likely cause of death.  For those who are already dealing with one or more chronic medical conditions, the answers seem more evident while others are inclined to glean probabilities from their family history.  Of course, neither assumption may prove to be valid.

Facing their mortality, many choose to slow or obscure their aging through the use of supplements, cosmetics and plastic surgery but the underlying truth is impossible to hide or deny.  A healthy diet and regular aerobic exercise help to maintain good function but, of course, aging brings an increasing risk of serious and potentially fatal disease.

Those who live into their seventies or eighties in relatively good health are fortunate indeed; too many succumb to illness or injury at a young age.  Nevertheless, the various side effects of aging cannot be ignored and preparations for the inevitable demise are often on our mind.  Enjoying life in the face of these challenges should be our primary goal.

LaLa lands in Hawaii

Tropical storm LaLa (perhaps a Category 1 hurricane by now) will pass swiftly south of the Hawaiian Islands over the next two days.  Counterclockwise winds are expected to bring high waves and heavy rain to east facing beaches and mountain slopes, especially on the Big Island and Maui.  The storm's rapid forward motion will hopefully serve to minimize damage across the archipelago.

To date, the Pacific hurricane and typhoon season has been active while Atlantic storms have been suppressed by a strong El Niño (which increases wind shear in the Caribbean) and large clouds of African dust that interfere with storm dynamics.

Nevertheless, the Atlantic Hurricane Season does not generally peak until mid-late September and lasts into November.  Communities along the Gulf and East Coasts are just beginning their season of risk and, as we found out in recent years, inland cities are also vulnerable to these powerful storms and their flooding rains. 

Healing Rain

After at least a month of extreme heat, bright sunshine and no precipitation, our Littleton farm received significant rain over the past two days.  The Southwest Monsoon has intensified along the Front Range and our parched vegetation may green up a bit; at the very least, the risk of fire on our pastures has been greatly diminished.

Elsewhere in the Denver Metro Area, flash flooding has occurred, especially in foothill canyons and across higher terrain south of the city.  The Monsoon is notorious for its uneven distribution of rain, producing heavy downpours in some locations while missing others altogether.

Since the Monsoon Season usually persists into early September, we are hopeful that more healing rains will bless our property.  Now that the dome of heat has shifted eastward, that possibility has increased. 

Trump defunds National Parks

King Trump claims that his vanity projects, most notably his Ballroom, are paid for by himself and wealthy donors.  In his words, "taxpayers do not pay a dime."

Of course, like almost all of his proclamations, this is not true.  Indeed, much of the money is siphoned from other government programs and agencies (funded by taxpayers).  In other words, the Trump Administration has cut the budget for those programs, redirecting the previously designated funds to Trump's personal projects.

Among the victims of this scheme are the National Parks, beloved and heavily visited by American taxpayers.  Services, employment and, one strongly suspects, conservation programs have been significantly reduced.  This is of no surprise to those who understand Our Dear Leader's priorities: power, prestige and personal enrichment.  Protecting our National Parks does not even make his list (or cross his mind).

A Fruitless Year

We are fortunate to have a variety of fruit-producing trees and shrubs on our Littleton farm.  Unfortunately, following a nearly snowless winter, a hard freeze struck in mid-spring, wiping out fruit blossoms and eliminating most of our fruit crop this year. 

Apples, plums, mulberries, crabapples, apricots, wild cherries and pears have not appeared; there has been a limited supply of chokecherries.  The only fruit trees with their usual crop are the junipers, a welcome development for robins, cedar waxwings and for our lone Townsend's solitaire that arrives by October.  Indeed, the lack of fruit seems to have had a significant impact on the number and variety of birds observed on the farm this summer.

Growing fruit in this semiarid ecosystem is always a bit of a gamble but I do not recall any previous year when a spring weather event has been so deleterious.  Followed by an extremely hot and dry summer, that hard freeze seems to have been a warning sign of rough times ahead. 

Colombia's Earthquake

Yesterday's magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia developed where the Malpelo Microplate is subducting beneath the South American Plate.  This small tectonic plate, thought to have formed during the Miocene Period (about 15 MYA), is wedged between the Cocos Plate, to its west, and the Nazca Plate, to its south.

The latter two plates are remnants of the massive Farallon Plate; remnants of that oceanic plate are subducting beneath the Pacific Northwest, Mexico and South America, producing volcanic ranges along the western coast of the Americas.  The subduction of the Farallon Plate began as the Atlantic Ocean opened, some 160 million years ago, and continues today.

In addition to the earthquakes that occur in these subduction zones, tsunamis may develop if the leading edge of the Continental Plate rebounds upward.  See: Tsunamis and Subduction Zones  

Trump cuts Vaccine Recommendations

In his latest Executive Order, King Trump, on the advice of his medically-naive HHS Secretary, has cut the recommended childhood vaccinations by a third.  Despite a total lack of scientific evidence that such a move is warranted, Trump relies on his gut (and his supreme narcissism) to make such far-reaching and potentially disastrous declarations.

No doubt, pediatricians across the country object to this order and, fortunately, will not change the recommendations that they offer to parents.  Even Senator Cassidy of Louisiana, a pediatrician who cleared RFK Jr.'s appointment, has voiced his dissent (a bit late in the game).

Trump is systematically dismantling American Healthcare.  Politics is placed above science and, in this case, children are the potential victims.  Impeachment is the only effective response.  

Agents of Carbon Capture

Even if (and it is a highly unlikely development ) all countries across the globe made sincere efforts to wean themselves from fossil fuel use, it would be decades before that would be accomplished and we could significantly reverse the ongoing climate change.  Of course, from an individual point of view, all we can do is limit our consumption of fossil fuels, minimize our overall energy use and install our own sources of green energy (e.g. solar panels).

But we can all be agents of carbon capture by maximizing the green plants on our property and by donating time and/or money to organizations that protect forests and strive to plant as many trees as possible.  Perhaps this simplistic approach does not impress many readers but doing nothing is not an option.

Cities and towns must be encouraged to take part in this "greening effort" and, in light of the tragic wildfire season, reforestation will be especially crucial.  As I have suggested in the past, the vast Great Plains could be used as a carbon sink by planting "snow fences" of drought tolerant trees wherever possible. 

Into the Furnace

Heading back toward Colorado today, we left Columbia under sunny skies with a temperature in the mid 70s F.  Pleasant conditions persisted through Missouri and eastern Kansas but, west of Salina, the temperature began to climb.  Fueled by a strong south wind, it reached 104 degrees F (per a Hays, Kansas, bank) or 109 degrees F (per our car thermometer).  Once we were outside the vehicle, the steady wind produced a blast furnace effect.

Perusing the National weather map, we appear to be in the hottest bubble outside of the Desert Southwest.  Though I have no documentation, I cannot remember being immersed in such hot air at any time in my life (and that's a lot of time).

We'll set out early in the morning to complete our journey before the afternoon sun takes its toll.  Unfortunately, this is just a warmup (no pun intended) for summers to come.  Then again, perhaps our Dear Leader is correct and climate change is a cruel Liberal hoax!

 

Deluge in Columbia

Awakened by thunderstorms at 3 am, we soon realized that they were just the leading edge of a cold front that would dip across Missouri.  Indeed, within a couple hours, a swath of heavy rain with imbedded thunderstorms stretched from Kansas City to St. Louis.

Storms continued to move along the front throughout the morning, accompanied by frequent lightning and gusty winds.  Now under a flood watch, our region is expected to receive heavy rain into the early afternoon; as the front dips further south, the deluge should end.  Southern Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana will then be on the receiving end.

In a prolonged drought earlier this year, Missouri has received an exceptional amount of precipitation since the high pressure dome that brought excessive heat moved southeastward.  A ridge of high pressure currently overlies the Western U.S., augmenting the wildfire risk throughout that region; Pacific storm systems ride across the northern rim of that atmospheric dome, eventually dipping through the Midwest and releasing their cargo of moisture.  

Psychological Inheritance

We all inherit physical traits, talents, disease susceptibility and other genetic factors from our parents.  But we also receive psychological inheritance.

Beliefs and prejudices, instilled during our dependent years, must be dealt with.  As we mature, they demand compliance or rejection, often placing us at odds with our parents and siblings.  In some cases, they have been associated with abusive behavior, augmenting their power and diminishing our ability to dislodge them; counseling may be necessary.  If the beliefs are especially rigid or extreme, they tend to ignite a reactionary response, breaking ties with those who instilled them.

Eventually, this psychological baggage and how we approach it determines our personal philosophy and greatly influences how we raise our own children. 

Setback at Eagle Bluffs

Six weeks after our last visit, a friend and I drove through Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning.  The pristine wetland ecosystem that we had left behind was now crawling with construction equipment and farm tractors.  Water was primarily limited to the central channel and crops covered most of the fields.

Disappointed by the turn of events, we completed our usual loop drive and saw a fair variety of birds.  Great egrets, all huddled in one shallow pond, were most abundant while a trio of young scissor-tailed flycatchers proved to be the highlight.  Other than two turkey vultures, no raptors were observed.  In total, 19 avian species were encountered during our 90 minute visit.

How odd that a brief recovery was permitted to occur before this floodplain wetland was all but closed down once again.  No doubt, there are reasons related to wastewater management but this second round of devastation was difficult to accept. 

Back to Phillips Lake

After a prolonged absence, my wife and I returned to Perry Phillips Lake early this morning.  While "development" continues along the Park's rim, it was a pleasant visit, having completed our loop walk before heat became a factor.

Annual cicadas provided a background chorus while pockets of ironweed, trumpet vine and bright red wild plums added color to the verdant landscape.  Following recent heavy rains, the lake was full for the first time this year though swallows and a lone great blue heron were the only birds to take advantage of its bounty.  Birdlife was otherwise limited to common summer and permanent residents and, as is usually the case there, northern mockingbirds were most conspicuous.

While I have previously decried the development along the edge of the Park, this former farm lake and its adjacent woodlands, fields and wetlands continue to attract an interesting mix of wildlife.  We'll keep visiting whenever we're in Columbia.

Take your Average American

As this country struggles through the reign of King Trump, there is a great deal of discussion regarding who might return America to her previous glory, imperfect though it was.  I would suggest the average American will do.

Qualifications would include kindness, empathy, average intelligence, a sense of fairness and a willingness to consider varied points of view in a respectful manner.  A middle-aged individual (for the purposes of experience) would be best, as long as they have no history of political activity.  One would hope that such an individual would appoint Cabinet Members who are highly qualified in their area of service and would insure that both the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve are completely independent of the Executive Branch.

Perhaps this solution seems a bit too simplistic for many but we do not need another political-minded leader who seeks to control corporations, universities and law firms and whose focus is on their personal power and enrichment.  I would volunteer but I'm too old.  

A Gift from August

August, long renowned for its heat, arrived overnight behind a cold front, bringing cool, misty weather to central Missouri.  Ahead of that front, heavy rain fell across Columbia, a welcome dose of moisture during this long, brutal summer.

While we certainly appreciate that a dramatic change in weather has arrived with the new month, there is little doubt that the heat will return as the front heads east.  But, for now, the cool respite will facilitate some much-delayed yard work.

Since it is the last meteorological month of summer, August invites us to look ahead to the glorious season of autumn.  Unfortunately, climate change is pushing back that transition and, before long, August may represent the midpoint of a prolonged summer season. 

Heat-Seeking Raptors

On this hot, humid afternoon in central Missouri, a trio of Mississippi kites soared above our Columbia neighborhood, feasting on insects.  Their energy under such conditions is impressive.

After nesting and summering across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, they will escape to South America for another summer in the Southern Hemisphere, traveling through hot climes along the way.  When you feed primarily on flying insects, it is best to be where they thrive.

While their seasonal movements are instinctual, these kites are certainly unfazed by weather that many, if not most humans, find oppressive.  Then again, they are not subjected to dire heat advisories. 

A Skink Emerges

As I discussed in A Skink Mystery, last September, our resident five-lined skinks, which were of usual abundance in the spring, disappeared throughout the summer.  In fact, they failed to emerge in the autumn as well and I came to the conclusion that a local die-off had occurred.

Very common on our Columbia property since we moved here in 1997, they would scurry across the deck and walkways or hang out at the compost bin to feast on a variety of invertebrates.  This spring and early summer passed without any sightings (though I am often out of town).  Then, about 10:30 this morning, as I lounged on our front porch, a young skink, sporting its bright blue tail, raced across the bricks.  He/she was the first I have seen here since the spring of 2025.

I have no explanation for this confusing saga but was glad to witness an apparent recovery.  Nature keeps us guessing. 

Return to Humidity

When we left Hays, Kansas, just before dawn this morning, it was already 75 degrees F, down from 99 degrees F the afternoon before.  Fortunately, as we traveled east, cloud cover persisted and the temperature  remained stable.

Even better, by the time we reached Junction City, rain began to fall, persisting throughout our journey across the Flint Hills.  Holding the temperature in the low 70s F, the rain was also psychologically beneficial after almost a month of intense sunshine and dry heat along the Front Range.

Beyond Topeka, however, the sun returned and the temperature gradually climbed into the upper 80s by the time we reached Columbia, augmented by Midwestern humidity as we entered a southerly flow from the Gulf of Mexico.  The moist air will feel good for a few days before I begin to miss the semiarid climate of Colorado. 

Growing without Water

As we left Metro Denver this morning, we observed a fleet of earth movers, clearing a swath of prairie east of the city.  Of course, this is in preparation of a new suburban development, perhaps twenty miles from the downtown area.

Having just experienced a record-low snowpack in the mountains, a nearly snowless winter in Denver and an extremely hot and dry summer to date, one wonders what the developers and city planners are thinking.  Already in a stage-one drought as the work begins, the Metro Area faces severe water shortages in the not-too-distant future.

Cities throughout the American Southwest are experiencing the same problem yet they continue to expand and place even more demand on limited water resources.  As our climate warms, a widespread crisis is bound to occur.  Perhaps a volcanic winter will rescue our species at some point. 

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

Channeling a popular 1971 song by Five Man Electrical Band, King Donald has decreed that signs be placed outside the Smithsonian Museum to warn patrons that information found within is inaccurate.  Of course, he is protecting us from data that may reflect poorly on his kingdom.

Among these falsehoods are that science is the best path toward truth and that racism has always been part of American culture.  These signs will hopefully make us stop and think before we immerse ourselves in the liberal milieu of that National Institution.

There is only one problem with our Dear Leader's signs.  We cannot believe a word that he says or writes. 

Night Rescue

A month past the summer solstice, our days are noticeably shorter.  As we endure a long period of severe heat, the longer nights cannot arrive soon enough.

Indeed, this astronomical rescue from sunlight will be the ultimate solution to the heat exhaustion that is affecting populations across the Northern Hemisphere.  Though we usually take this annual transition for granted, it will be especially welcome this year (and likely for many years to come).

No doubt, we will complain about the incursions of winter when they arrive but we can more easily prepare for them; besides, as our climate warms, they may disappear altogether.  For now, bring on the darkness!  

An Unfair Monsoon

Following two weeks of bright sunshine and severe heat, the annual Southwest Monsoon finally reached the Front Range urban corridor earlier this week.  Its scattered thunderstorms have dropped flooding rains in some areas while other locations (including our Littleton farm) have received little, if any, precipitation.

Such is the nature of the Monsoon.  Unlike the widespread, upslope rain and snow storms of spring, this river of moisture is less predictable.  Of course, between now and early September, most of us will receive some vital precipitation but the gift will likely be uneven, reflecting the effects of our varied terrain and the mountain wall to our west.  But we'll take what we can get.

Life is not fair, nature is not fair and the Monsoon can be frustratingly unfair. 

The Patience of Patients

Long a physician and now a patient, I have witnessed the American healthcare system from both sides of the proverbial fence.  And having spent a good deal of time in waiting rooms, I have noticed an association between one's patience and the apparent chronicity of their illness.

As one might expect, those with acute problems tend to be in more distress and are clearly more demanding at times; no doubt, personalities play a significant role as well.  On the other hand, those who have become accustomed to the waiting room experience are far more patient and, to be honest, kind.  Having learned that healthcare, by its nature, is not always predictable and efficient, they learn to take the setbacks in stride.  Of course, they often arrive prepared for significant delays, possessing novels, headphones and other forms of diversion.

Indeed, it is easy to pick out the veterans of our health care system and one comes to appreciate the calming effect that they have on others.  I will strive to join their ranks. 

Trump's Environmental Ignorance

As almost 900 wildfires rage across the vast northern forests of Canada, Pacific storm systems direct some of the smoke into the Upper Midwest and Northeastern U.S.  Of course, this angers Our Dear Leader and it is one of the reasons that he threatens to impose a 50% tariff on our neighbor.  In his opinion, the Canadian government should be doing more to control the wildfires.

Our warming climate is primarily responsible for this widespread disaster, reducing snowfall and rain across the Great Northwoods.  Unfortunately, Trump and his Cabinet do not accept the "hoax" of climate change, choosing to cut emissions regulations, withdraw funds from green energy projects and encourage the rebirth of coal-fueled power plants.

Of all his disastrous policies imposed upon our country, Trump's disdain for environmentalism may have the greatest long-term effect.  Hopefully, the private sector will resist this folly and ignore his repeal of established environmental laws.  After all, they know by now that a Blue Wave is coming in November. 

Marking Time

As we humans grow old, we think back over the years and remember a number of events that marked the stages of our life.  First among these are the births and deaths that greatly influenced both the course of our life and our approach to it.

Indeed, life brings many joys and sorrows but its primary imperative, as throughout the natural world, is that we do our best to stay alive and thereby contribute to the welfare of our family, friends and species as a whole.  Unfortunately, that goal often goes unmet as, usually through no fault of their own, beloved individuals die along the way.

We miss their company and inspiration but, in the end, their deaths mark the progression of our own life.  Knowing that our time will soon end, we take comfort in the fact that our demise will become a reference for those we leave behind. 

Morning Relief

As excessive heat and drought continue to plague the Front Range urban corridor, early mornings offer the only relief.  Due to the elevation and dry air, overnight cooling produces a few hours that invite outdoor activity.

This morning, just before sunrise, I took a walk along the South Platte River.  As low as I have ever seen it, the rock laden stream attracted a mix of waterfowl and waders in addition to a lone raccoon that foraged in the clear shallows.  Songbirds were still rather quiet and inactive, represented by only a couple of chickadees and a northern yellow warbler.

But while the wildlife was limited, a steady, north, cool breeze offered hope that our weather might be finally changing.  Indeed, the first taste of the annual Monsoon is expected over the next few days as afternoon highs dip back into the 80s F and scattered thunderstorms blossom along the Front Range.  We are surely hoping that forecast is accurate. 

Medication Commercials

As a physician, I am often dismayed and sometimes amused by medication commercials.  Usually delivered by attractive, healthy-looking individuals, at times in the company of cartoon characters, the information is, in my opinion, better delivered in one's doctor's office.

Always combined with a relatively quiet but obsessively long list of possible side effects (usually including death), details about the product are superficial in nature, despite the fact that they are powerful chemical agents.  More amusing is the advice to "let your doctor know" if you have cancer, ALS, HIV, heart problems or some other chronic, serious condition; one wonders why your doctor would not be aware of your medical history.

Brief medical commercials making the public aware of new therapies are appropriate, including the advice to discuss their possible use with their physician.  Beyond that public service, the escalating presence of drug use encouragement on TV is worrisome. 

Primetime Lies

In case you missed it (I purposely did), Our Dear Leader delivered a speech from the White House last evening, outlining previously debunked election interference claims from 2020.  Having lost that election, which occurred during the reign of his own Administration, Trump's supreme narcissism demands that he forever challenge the validity of those results.

Attended by his adoring Cabinet Members, King Trump spent 25 minutes spewing lies and conspiracy theories about foreign interference in that past election and imagined voting insecurity facing the upcoming midterms.  Little was said about current, pressing problems throughout our country, including economic stress, the war with Iran, the brutality of Ice and the widespread corruption throughout his Administration.

Fortunately, many networks did not carry the speech, declining to give Trump air time to lie to American citizens.  Our country cannot reclaim its past reputation as a bastion of Democracy until this compulsive liar is removed from office.  Vote Democratic in November!

Suburban Parks

Generally relegated to the young and the elderly, suburban parks are not sought out by your average naturalist.  Nevertheless, they can be pleasant and "productive" destinations, especially if they were established many years ago and are festooned with large trees, ponds and wetlands.

Today, my wife and I stopped by William McKinley Carson Park in Greenwood Village, a community in south Metro Denver.  Hoping to escape the heat and bright sunshine, we were also planning to take a short walk.  This small park proved to be a good choice, though some construction was underway.  Shady gazebos afford views of the pond and the paved trails are lined with large trees.  During our brief visit, we observed the expected flocks of mallards and Canada geese but also encountered an excellent variety of songbirds (chipping sparrows were especially common); we also saw two muskrats on the pond.

Good for the community and good for local wildlife, older suburban parks are gems that may not be replicated in modern society as land prices rise and residential demands crowd out nature.  Even if established, they take many years to mature. 

Weather History

In the past, we were often informed of significant or record-breaking weather events that occurred on that specific date.  Some of the events were tragic while many were simply nostalgic.

In the present, severe weather seems to occur on a daily basis.  Following recent, deadly heat across most of the country, worsened by ongoing wildfires throughout the drought-plagued West, excessive rain has produced severe flooding throughout the Texas Hill Country over the past 24 hours.  No doubt, other sites of flash flooding will be reported across the South as warm, humid air flows northward from the Gulf of Mexico.  While a strong El Niño and copious African dust have reduced tropical development in the Atlantic Basin to date, we are yet early in the Hurricane Season.

As our climate continues to warm, we will be watching severe Weather History unfold on a daily basis, throughout our country and across the globe.  Lead by an Administration that denies the reality of global warming, we will be unprepared for the onslaught, leading to unnecessary deaths and potential economic catastrophe.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Mother & Destroyer

The Sea is the mother of all life on Earth, which first evolved in her realm about 3.6 billion years ago.  It would not be until 450 million years ago that some species became terrestrial but a fabulous diversity of life still inhabits Mother Sea, much of which has yet to be discovered by humans.

Nourishing and sculpting terrestrial ecosystems with her weather systems, she also destroys habitats and human developments with coastal hurricanes, severe inland storms and flooding rains.  Indeed, as our climate warms, these destructive events will intensify.

Furthermore, as her component oceans open and close, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanism alter terrestrial landscapes and destroy regional life; the recent earthquakes in Venezuela demonstrate a risk that stretches across the globe.  The Sea, an essential component of Life on Earth is both generous and destructive; we could not live without her but often succumb to her power.  

Trump kills the Endangered Species Act

In their most outrageous attack on our natural environment to date, Trump's Departments of Commerce and The Interior plan to open protected habitat to drilling and mining companies.  In their words, the Endangered Species Act, written into law more than 50 years ago, is too restrictive.

Foregoing any scientific studies to support their convictions, these pro-business, anti-conservation politicians would surely destroy our National Wildlife Refuge system if given the chance.  Climate change deniers and human-centric zealots, they have no appreciation for our reliance on the health of natural ecosystems.

Once again, Trump's enablers in Congress are too afraid to intervene.  The destruction of our planet and its long term impacts on future generations (including their own children and grandchildren) does not appear to warrant any opposition.  Vote Democratic in November! 

Thousand-Year Floods

Following episodes of severe flooding, as occurred in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois yesterday, references are made to a "thousand-year flood," indicating that such an event is expected no more often than every thousand years.  Of course, such an expectation is based on meteorological data that has accumulated over the past Century or so.

Unfortunately, we are now in a different atmospheric environment, courtesy of global warming that was triggered by the Industrial Revolution.  Earth's seas and atmosphere are steadily warming, saturating the air that moves above the Continents and archipelagos.  Storms, ignited by atmospheric clashes along an energized jet stream, often drop copious amounts of rain and, should the storms "train" across the same areas, severe flooding occurs.

Such destructive floods are becoming more common and will only increase in frequency as our climate continues to warm.  Efforts to reverse that trend are not currently sufficient, especially in the U.S., and we ignore the risk of living on floodplains and barrier islands.  "Thousand-Year Floods" have become annual events.