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. 

Preventing Animal Abuse

At least three animal rescue organizations are currently running ads on American TV; indeed, the ads are repeatedly broadcast throughout the day (seemingly every hour at times).  In almost all cases, emphasis is placed on donating money to feed the abused animals.

While these ads surely trigger sympathy for the suffering victims, little mention is made of the humans responsible for the abuse.  Raising funds to prosecute those individuals and organizations would seem to be a more effective approach.

Preventing animal abuse should be the primary goal of these campaigns.  Rescuing animals that are suffering and dying may then become unnecessary. 

The Nature of Opinions

We humans all have opinions on a wide range of subjects, beliefs and "facts."  While these opinions may be interesting or entertaining, most are of dubious value.

Educated opinions, on the other hand, based on one's scientific knowledge of the subject, come closer to the truth.  Yet, current scientific data may prove to be inaccurate as more is learned over the years.  Indeed, truth is the goal of the scientific method but, in most cases, it remains an elusive target.

Too often, the opinions of "experts" are accepted as fact.  When certain individuals, such as Our Dear Leader, convince devoted followers that their opinion "is the truth," cults arise.  Unbridled opinions are a danger to society.

The Birding Nadir

While naturalists enjoy outdoor sightings (plant and animal) throughout all seasons, I suspect that, for most birders in the Temperate Zone, July is the low point of their year.  The breeding season has ended, heat suppresses avian activity and, except for some "early" shorebirds, migrations are not underway.

Though winter weather may pose more of a challenge for some birders, permanent and winter species tend to be active and conspicuous; after all, their survival depends on locating an adequate supply of food.  Furthermore, winter often brings irruptive species and rare wanderers into our area.  Of course, the spring and fall migration periods are especially rewarding, offering a mix of permanent and seasonal residents, joined by a fabulous variety of transient visitors.

Experienced birders know that early and late day jaunts are the best way to encounter a reasonable number of species during the heat of summer.  Nevertheless, in my experience, July cannot match the avian diversity of June or August; it earns my personal designation as the birding nadir.  

Compassionate Capitalism

As more "Social Democrats" win positions in the November election, "traditional Democrats" understandably worry that their Party may lose the support of Independents and Conservative-leaning Democrats.  No doubt, this political movement reflects inadequate attention to social support programs over the years.

A shift toward "Compassionate Capitalism" seems to be the best approach to defeating Trump and his Republican enablers.  Corporations should be openly encouraged to shift their donations from Trump's vanity projects to the support of social programs that his Administration has eliminated.  They might also be encouraged to fund free child care for their employees and to work closely with the Federal and local governments to ensure that their basic medical and housing needs are met.

Socialism is not the answer to creating a fair and productive society.  The cooperation of corporations, local businesses, philanthropists and governments can provided the necessary support without derailing our capitalist system.  Of course, the corruption throughout our Federal Government must also be abolished.    

The Drought and Waders

Non-birders may be surprised to learn that a wide variety of herons, ibis and egrets summer in or visit the Front Range urban corridor.  Indeed, great blue herons and black-crowned night herons are common permanent residents while great egrets, snowy egrets, white-faced ibis and cattle egrets are common summer residents and migrants.  Both American and least bitterns are uncommon summer residents and a host of waders are rare summer visitors; the latter include tricolored herons, yellow-crowned night herons and white ibis.

Most of these waders favor shallow mudflats and marshlands along the border of ponds, lakes and rivers and are thus not obvious to those who visit wetland habitats.  This summer, however, the drought has severely lowered the water level in lakes and rivers, drawing herons and egrets out into the open in search of fish and aquatic invertebrates.

As a result, I have encountered far more waders in Littleton than I have seen in past years.  Just this morning, I saw ten snowy egrets, five black-crowned night herons and a few great blue herons along a short stretch of the South Platte River.  Of course, such rewards do not make up for a crippling drought but its effects are worth noting. 

Freedom under Assault

On this 250th Birthday of the United States, our cherished freedom is under assault by an incompetent and corrupt Administration, serving only the wishes of our Narcissist-in-Chief.  Untethered by a fear-struck Republican Congress, Trump and his cronies are dismantling our Department of Justice, our Military and our relationship with Allies across the globe.

American citizens are struggling while the President and his family are raking in an obscene amount of money.  Our health care system has been degraded, science has been ridiculed and the conservation of our natural resources has been abandoned.

Worst of all, our personal rights have come under assault by racist, wealth-driven, religious zealots who want to mold our country into a white, conservative, Christian kingdom.  Happy Fourth of July! 

Smoke from Distant Fires

Haze from wildfire smoke has gradually increased along the Colorado Front Range over the past week.  There are at least 7 active fires in Colorado and 6 in Utah, not to mention a couple in New Mexico and many farther west.

Of course, the ongoing Western drought is primarily responsible for the large number of fires, most of which have been ignited by lightning or human carelessness.  So far, the annual Southwest Monsoon has been meager at best, bringing little moisture to the dry terrain.

Due to our local drought and poor air quality from the wildfires, most firework displays have already been cancelled throughout Metro Denver.  Parades, cookouts and festivals will have to suffice. 

Collective Guilt

It is always helpful when our personal failures mirror social trends.  Collective guilt and pain are easier to deal with.

Recently, there has been a great deal of media attention paid to "eggshell marriages" and a significant increase in the divorce rate of couples in their fifties or beyond.  This, of course, relates to the period after child rearing has ended, leaving the couple on their own once again.

While I would never criticize the decision of a couple to divorce, I do feel that relationship problems later in life often stem from spending too much time together.  In many ways, this habit reinforces our differences and may deprive one another of activities that they personally enjoy, including engagement with friends who share those interests.  Then again, being part of a social trend may have its own psychological benefits.

Immigration & Racism

The Supreme Court's decision yesterday, to uphold Birthright Citizenship, has upset Donald Trump and his minions.  Though he married two foreigners, our King wants to purify America; in other words, he wants to curtail the percentage of non-white citizens in this country.  To be clear, Trump welcomes the immigration of Caucasian Europeans and South Africans while actively deporting black and brown immigrants.

On the other hand, even if he shut down immigration altogether, this country would (and will) become "less white" over the coming decades.  Many of our most successful and innovative citizens are immigrants or children of immigrants, a fact that Trump and his legions prefer to ignore.

Once again, government-sponsored racism has reared its ugly head.  Fortunately, its sponsors lost this round.  

A Voice of Promise

As we enter the heart of summer in the midst of a heat wave and bathed in smoke from the Utah fires, it was reassuring to hear the soft hooting of a great horned owl last evening.  Common throughout most of the Western Hemisphere, these large owls are regular visitors to our Littleton farm though, to my knowledge, they have never nested on the property.

The rather muted voice of last evening's visitor suggested it was a young owl, born last winter and now on its own after several months of parental assistance.  The soft hoots, from a large tree near our house, certainly did not match the loud, confident banter of adult owls in late autumn and winter.

Feeding on a wide range of mammals, from mice to opossums, and on snakes, lizards and birds as well, great horned owls tend to be silent loners throughout the warmer months.  Last evening's hoots thus seemed to promise that cool, crisp October nights lie ahead.   

Swallow Mania

This summer, a massive flock of cliff swallows has colonized a bridge over the South Platte River near downtown Littleton.  Their gourd-shaped nest cavities, formed with mud, line both sides of the bridge and are four rows wide in some areas.  Grass is used to coat the interior of the gourds, making them more comfortable for the nestlings.

This morning, the attentive parents were ingesting a variety of flying insects above the river and over the adjacent fields; indeed, I have seen flocks of them above our Littleton farm, almost a mile from the bridge.  Exhausted parents temporarily rested on power lines along the river before resuming their sorties.

Long distance migrants, cliff swallows winter in southern South America, returning to North America to nest by mid spring.  While most common in the western half of the U.S., their range has been expanding eastward as their nest site preference has shifted from cliffs to bridges and other human structures. 

A Ridge of Heat

Following a week of stormy weather along the Colorado Front Range and across the Central Plains, an atmospheric ridge will build in by tomorrow, bringing sunny, hot conditions within its expanding dome.  Here in Metro Denver, we expect highs in the 90s F for the next week.

As the ridge, produced by a northward arc of the jet stream, expands across the Plains and into the Midwest, Pacific storm systems will be directed along its rim, bringing thunderstorms to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.  Meanwhile, behind the dome, an atmospheric trough (a dip in the jet stream) will bring cool, moist air to the drought-plagued West; while snow is expected at high elevations, strong winds and lightning may actually increase the risk of wildfires across the dry terrain.

Until the ridge shifts eastward, the Southwest Monsoon, a vital source of moisture throughout the Four Corners Region and the Southern Rockies may be shut down.  Let's hope the ridge does not dally. 

Venezuela's Earthquakes

A magnitude 7.2 foreshock and a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck northern Venezuela yesterday; many aftershocks have followed.  At least 164 persons were killed and close to 1000 were injured; unfortunately, these early counts are almost certain to rise.

A complex band of faults between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate runs across northern Venezuela.  As the Atlantic Ocean continues to open, a process that began during the Jurassic Period, about 150 million years ago, the North and South America Plates have been moving westward.  Eventually, the much smaller Caribbean Plate became wedged between them, setting the stage for earthquakes when pressure between the plates is released.  These major events trigger pressure release in numerous side faults, producing aftershocks throughout the region.

The primary magnitude 7.5 quake was the second strongest ever recorded in Venezuela, weaker only than a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1900.  Hopefully, it will retain that title for many years to come; then again, a more powerful quake could occur tomorrow as the geologic map of Planet Earth continues to evolve.

Artificial Intelligence & Biotechnology

Of all the claims and fears associated with the use of artificial intelligence, its promise in the field of biotechnology is, in my opinion, most convincing.  Having witnessed the prolonged and risky course of drug development from both the perspective of a provider and a patient, I foresee significant benefits afforded by the availability of A.I.

New drug development has long been slowed by the complexities of animal and/or human-based studies, including unforeseen complications.  As a result, it generally takes years to bring a life-saving therapy to market, among the major reasons for its high cost.  Artificial intelligence is able to identify both effective therapies and potential side-effects within a relatively short period of time, thereby improving both the efficiency and the safety of this vital process.

No doubt, there are many convincing arguments against the overuse and unmonitored application of artificial intelligence.  But its value in the field of biotechnology seems to be especially promising.  

Social Depression in America

Regardless of our personal medical and economic health, most Americans are likely dealing with a persistent sense of depression as we endure the far-reaching effects of a corrupt and incompetent Administration in Washington.  Battered daily by unsettling news and the comments of an aging narcissist, we long for a change in leadership and despise those who are unwilling to oppose his dangerous, costly and un-American policies.

Whether we are most disturbed by the Administration's criminal deportation program, their willingness to cut ties with our Allies, their disdain for science and conservation, their overt racism or their lack of support for low-income populations in this country and across the globe, we long for a return to the America we once knew.

While donations to organizations that oppose the actions of the Trump Administration offer some degree of comfort, our depression will not lift until Trump and his enablers are removed from office.  Hopefully, the November elections will initiate that healing process and set the stage for Impeachment.  

Flashback Post LXXVIII

On this Father's Day, most fathers likely think of their own father and of their son(s).  These links, vital to the welfare of human society, are too often strained or broken, a problem I addressed back in 2015.

See:  Fathers & Sons 

Extreme Weather & Climate Change

Weather extremes have characterized most of the U.S. this year.  This week's flooding across the Southeastern States has been record-breaking as some locations have received almost three feet of rain.  Ironically, some of the deluge has occurred in areas that had been plagued by drought for many months.

Farther north, severe thunderstorms with tornadoes, high winds and large hail have repeatedly raked the Great Plains and Upper Midwest.  This weekend, another round of severe weather will develop across the High Plains, moving through the Ohio Valley and the Mid-Atlantic Region over the following days.

Extreme heat, warm oceans and a powerful, unruly jet stream combine to produce these dangerous weather conditions.  More than typical, seasonal storm systems, we are witnessing the effects of a warming climate.  Though its effects may vary over the years, these extreme weather events will surely become more common and efforts to reduce damage and deaths will be imperative. 

Baggies along the Trail

Most dog walkers have fallen in line with social expectations, bagging up their pet's excrement in our neighborhoods, parks and nature preserves.  But for some, that environmentalism is limited to the act of bagging itself; the inconvenience of toting the package back home, or to their vehicle, is beyond their willingness to cooperate.

As a result, we now encounter the plastic baggies and their contents along our sidewalks and trails, doubling the pollution.  One wonders who they assume will collect their gifts to the community; park rangers? roving garbage collectors? fastidious neighbors?

Unfortunately, this behavior characterizes the half-hearted environmentalism that we observe throughout human society.  The level of cooperation and commitment is determined by how much inconvenience one can endure.  Hence our increasingly polluted planet. 

Aurora's Global Fest

Since I was out of town, I missed the 13th Annual Aurora Global Fest, in Aurora, Colorado, last weekend.  Highlighting the cultural traditions of sixty-eight countries, booths and displays introduced visitors to the food, music, dance, clothing and artwork of each society.

Such a celebration of diversity is especially welcome in present-day America, where the Trump Administration tolerates only white, American-born citizens.  One wonders if plain-clothed Ice Agents were patrolling the festival, tasting the cuisine while looking for undocumented immigrants to deport.

I applaud those who plan, fund and organize such international festivals.  They demonstrate both the variability of human culture and the uniformity of our species. 

A Memorable Year

Not much of an NBA fan, I paid only fleeting attention to the recent Championship Tournament.  On the other hand, the frequent mention of the year 1973, when the New York Knicks last won the NBA Championship, never failed to get my attention.

In 1973, I was 23 years old and attending medical school.  A good friend died that year and three others got married, the first in my circle of friends to take the plunge.  As for myself, one relationship was imploding while another was just beginning, a classic formula for emotional turmoil.  Indeed, I must admit that 1973 was the most memorable year in my life.

I suspect most humans have experienced similar years and would guess that they also occurred during those formative years of freedom, between high school graduation and marriage.  After all, intense and lasting memories are seared by strong emotions and that period is replete with episodes of joy and pain. 

Severe Weather on the Plains

From a weather perspective, it is always an adventure to travel across the Great Plains of North America.  This morning, after creeping through heavy rain and dodging thunderstorms in Missouri, I was greeted by a clear blue sky as I crossed into Kansas.  While such an abrupt change is usually encountered when a strong cold front pushes into warm, humid air, the air in Kansas was hot and dry, indicating that I had entered a dome of high pressure.

Indeed, the skies were nearly cloudless until I reached Junction City; from that location, I could see clouds off to the northwest, likely forming along the northern edge of the dome.  Reaching the southern extent of that cloud mass in Salina, I was more captivated by conditions on the ground; widespread damage to road signs, trees and a few ranch buildings looked as if one or more tornadoes had recently raked that city.

While the heat and sunny skies persisted all the way to Hays (my overnight rest stop), the clouds north of my route continued to expand and most of northeastern Kansas is now under a tornado watch; in addition, a line of thunderstorms has formed from southwestern Kansas to the tornado watch zone (erupting along the western edge of the heat dome).  Another spectacular light show is anticipated.

Addendum:  The damage that I witnessed in Salina was due to 113 mph wind gusts associated with severe thunderstorms on June 8. 

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 has 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.