Back with the Martins

We have returned to my wife's family cottage on Sandy Lake, a small kettle lake on the Glaciated Plateau of Northeast Ohio.  During the summer months, this peaceful location is dominated by a large flock of purple martins that occupy a collection of apartments near the shore.

Noisy and active, the martins spend most of their day strafing the lake's surface for insects.  There they are often joined by a handful of cormorants, cruising about the calm waters or diving for fish, and by a pair of osprey that soar overhead before plunging into the lake to snare their prey.  Flocks of Canada geese and mallards forage along the marshy shoreline while a belted kingfisher moves among the docks, searching for schools of fingerlings.

This lakeside retreat is a pleasant escape from the summer heat that ravages most of the country.  Indeed, many climatologists believe that the Great Lakes region will be least affected by our warming climate (with the probable exception of heavy, lake-effect snowstorms).  Time will tell but, for now, we'll visit when we can.

A Blogging Milestone

As is evident in the right-hand column of this page, Nature's Blog has just passed one million pageviews.  I should be thrilled but I know that a significant percentage (perhaps most) are by bots, search engines and, most recently, AI readers.

Nevertheless, I'll keep it on the page to inform those focused on the business of blogging.  Besides, we humans tend to place emphasis on volume when it comes to sales, readership and consumer engagement. 

I do appreciate those who regularly indulge my opinions, rants and pontifications, especially those who share my naturalist philosophy; indeed, I know some of them personally.  My thanks to everyone who stops by, even if only once or simply by mistake.  

Artists and their Work

Recent revelations about Alice Munro, one of my favorite writers, are disturbing and made me think about how we view the relationship between artists and their work.  No doubt, we can all name a significant number of authors, playwrights, musicians and other artists who engaged in behavior or expressed views that we found disappointing, if not deplorable.

The question is: can we still admire, enjoy and support the work of these artists while acknowledging such behavior or should we boycott their work despite their exceptional talent and creativity?  In other words, how do we react when we disrespect an artist but love their work?

Some might suggest that "we are all human" and, perhaps for their own gratification, continue to support the artist.  Others, unwilling to indirectly associate themselves with immoral behavior, eschew his/her work.  While it is relatively easy to boycott a company based on their policies or products, the choice to deny ourselves the craft of an accomplished artist is far more difficult.  We recognize that celebrity often spawns unrealistic expectations but it also may cloud our judgment.

The Tropics reach Missouri

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are now streaming NNE across northern Arkansas and the southern half of Missouri.  Here in Columbia, the outer edge of that tropical moisture is curving through our area and rain is expected for most of the day.

Since we have already received significant amounts of precipitation over the past week, this influx from the Gulf of Mexico is not welcome.  Indeed, a flash flood warning has been issued for our region.

From here, the storm's remnants will progress northeastward through the Midwest and into the Great Lakes States.  Fortunately, sunny conditions are expected over the remainder of our week, allowing the soggy landscape to dry out.  By then, we'll be complaining about the heat and intense summer sun, hoping that another storm will arrive. 

Feeding the Crustaceans

While we no longer own dogs or board horses, we are raising crustaceans.  These pill bugs reside in our compost bin, where hordes of their young mingle with the adults.

Our duty is limited to filling the bin with vegetable, fruit and yard waste.  This weekend, hosting family members for the Holiday, we produced a large amount of watermelon rind, a clear favorite of the pill bugs.  Drawn to the hot, humid confines of the bin, these crustaceans are, in turn, agents of compost production.

Unlike pets that require expensive nutrition, vet care and occasional boarding, wild creatures are a bargain.  This is especially true of invertebrates that engage in pollination or recycling; then again, they do not offer companionship or unconditional love. 

Beryl heads for Texas

As Hurricane Beryl crossed the Yucatan Peninsula, it weakened to a Tropical Storm.  Now, re-emerging over the exceptionally warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to strengthen.

The entire Gulf Coast of Texas (and perhaps Louisiana) is at risk for a significant storm impact.  The longer Beryl stays over open water, the more powerful it will become, possibly developing into a major hurricane before landfall.  High winds, torrential rain, flooding and storm surge will surely ravage coastal areas but inland flooding may occur throughout East Texas, if not farther north and east.

Following Tropical Storm Alberto's impact in South Texas, Beryl is just the latest threat in what will likely be a long and destructive Hurricane Season.  Climate change, still ignored or denied by many Republicans, is taking its toll on our planet.  

Aging & Selfishness

As the controversy continues regarding President Biden's fitness for office, one questions why he decided to run for a second term.  Given his age, many of us would have preferred that he turned over the reigns of government to a younger generation of Americans.  Does he really believe that he is the only candidate who can beat Donald Trump, a chronic lier, misogynist, racist and convicted felon?

Like many successful individuals who reach an advanced age while still in office, Biden has declined to retire gracefully.  We have recently observed the same phenomenon with a Supreme Court Justice and a few Senators and may personally know individuals who refused to abandon their professional practice or family business despite declining mental or physical fitness.

It is not age discrimination to criticize those who place their career above the welfare of their country, their clients or their employees.  Family, colleagues and close friends who encourage their obstinance are, in my opinion, complicit in what may be tragic consequences. 

Flashback Post LV

As the Paris Olympics gear up, I decided to republish a post from February of 2013. Go USA (with a few exceptions).

See: Rooting for Champions 

Overnight Deluge

Following the most stifling heat and humidity of the season to date, a "cold" front arrived overnight, igniting thunderstorms and torrential rain.  Official precipitation totals for the Greater Columbia area exceed 5 inches, the greatest we have experienced in our 27 years of residence.

Due to a failed gutter, we received minor flooding in one bedroom but more extensive evidence of the deluge was evident throughout the neighborhood.  A normally placid creek had risen to leave "high water" debris across lawns and gravel bars still snake along adjacent roadways.

Since we remain in a long term drought, the rain was welcome but its intense arrival was not.  Compared with Jamaica's residents, who face the wrath of a Category 4 Hurricane, our local damage was a minor inconvenience but climate change surely plays a role in both.  Indeed, despite the deluge and the frontal passage, warm, humid air still envelops central Missouri and more rain is expected this afternoon and evening. 

Solitude, Nature & Music

To paraphrase Janis Ian, they'll be Weeks Like These.  Trump's incessant lies, Biden's meltdown and a corrupt Supreme Court dominated the news.  Time for stress management.

In my case, that means solitude, nature and music, alone or in combination.  This morning, I retreated to the front porch where, in the cool morning air, a hummingbird explored one of our flower beds.  As per my usual habit, music rose from my I-phone.

We all have our comfort choices and these are mine.  Besides, they are healthier than ice cream. 

Imposing Religion

The separation of Church and State has long been a guiding principle in America.  Christian Conservatives want to change that policy.

Recently, political leaders in Louisiana announced that the Ten Commandments must be posted in public school classrooms.  Now, the State of Oklahoma has required Bible study in its public schools.

Among other alarming developments across America, this in-your-face effort to impose religious dogma is exceptionally offensive.  As we know, religious faith and immorality often coexist, especially among racists, misogynists and child abusers.  While the Supreme Court put down such zealotry in the past, our current Justices are more inclined to side with States Rights.  Vote Democratic! 

Beryl sends a Warning

Hurricane Beryl, now a Category 3 storm, is churning toward the Caribbean, where it is expected to intensify into the earliest Category 4 storm in recorded history.  Though its eventual course remains uncertain, landfall along the western Gulf Coast appears likely.

Such strong hurricanes have traditionally formed in late August or September, as the sea temperature peaks.  Climate change is clearly shifting that pattern; the ocean water is already very warm, fueling tropical storm and hurricane development.

Indeed, another tropical disturbance is following Beryl across the Atlantic and will likely be named in the coming days.  Beryl's rapid intensification is a potent warning that this Hurricane Season (and others to follow) will be active and destructive.

See: Tropical Storm Dynamics 

Supreme Court eviscerates Federal Regulators

In another politically-motivated decision, the Supreme Court ignored precedent to diminish the power of Federal Regulators, redirecting their role to local, state and federal jurists.  In other words, efforts to protect the environment and the health of American citizens will be taken from scientific experts and placed in the hands of judges.

Of course, many of those judges are politically appointed, chosen to protect various industrial, cultural or religious interests.  The welfare of our environment and the safety of our citizens will depend on what Party controls the levers of government.

If nothing else, these precedent-breaking decisions of the Supreme Court highlight the importance of elections.  Whether we are enamored with Joe Biden or not, we cannot risk a Trump-molded Supreme Court.  Donald Trump must be stopped at all costs (including, perhaps, reconsidering the Democratic candidate for President). 

Flood Season Update

Way back in 2009, I wrote about the Flood Season in the American Midwest, opining that it generally runs from late February into April.  Causes included snowmelt, dormant trees, frozen ground and early spring rains.  Fifteen years later, that post is far too simple (though it does have nostalgic value).

Now that climate change is unfolding, severe, destructive floods may occur during any season of the year.  Warmer seas, more potent storm systems and hot, humid air all play a role, as do record mountain snowpacks.  Just in the past week, highly destructive and life threatening floods have been reported from across the globe.

Indeed, living on or near a floodplain has become a high risk life choice, even in relatively dry regions of the planet.  Sudden, torrential downpours have occurred in all seasons and in all geographic areas; of course, they can be especially deadly in mountainous areas.  Unfortunately, flood season has no bounds in this warming climate. 

Heat & Flooding

An intense dome of heat grips the Central and Southern Plains; yesterday's afternoon highs exceeded 100 degrees F.  As Pacific systems approach from the west, they are shunted northward by this dome and move eastward and then southeastward along its rim.

The rim itself is a clash zone, where hot and cool air masses collide, producing bands of thunderstorms that "train" across the same areas.  As a result, repeated bouts of torrential rain lead to flash flooding, which was especially severe near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, yesterday.

Until the atmospheric ridge breaks down or shifts from its current location, this weather pattern will persist, enhancing drought across the Southern Plains while dumping a tremendous amount of precipitation into the Missouri and Mississippi River watersheds.

Bird vs. Snake

On this beautiful and less humid morning, I made another summer visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area.  Though it is still too early for the shorebird migration to begin, I did encounter a decent variety of birds, including a family of wood ducks and a lone Mississippi kite.  But the highlight of my visit was provided by a single bird.

Experienced birders know that red-winged blackbirds are bold and aggressive creatures, inclined to defend their territory from any perceived enemy.  This morning, one demonstrated a rather extreme example of that trait, chasing a large black snake across the road.  Nipping at its tail as the reptile headed for cover in the marsh, the red-wing was fearless in his attack.

Of course, instinct and intelligence are two different things and a sudden swipe of the snake's tail might have put an end to the hero's life.  As it turned out, he was able to return to his flock where the reception was likely just as instinctual (i.e. no medals or parades). 

The Promise of Darkness

Having passed the summer solstice enveloped in a massive dome of heat, we can take some solace in the promise of decreasing daylight, from now until the winter solstice (on or about December 21).  Of course, it will be months before summer heat begins to abate but longer nights will offer psychologic relief, if little cooling.

While our warming climate will surely lengthen the period of summer-like weather, it will have no effect on the astronomical darkness.  As we endure drought, wildfires, summer storms and hurricanes, that fact is somehow reassuring.

It may take a few weeks to notice the loss of daylight but, by then, early avian migrants will grace our wetlands and beaches.  Unaware of dire heat-stress warnings, they respond only to the solar retreat, chasing the perpetual summer on which their lives depend. 

A Tragic Rescue

Last evening, a news report covered the "rescue" of two beluga whales from a Ukrainian aquarium; their welfare was threatened by Russian attacks which might cut off electricity to that facility.  In that coverage, the whales were transported to Spain, where they will endure further confinement in another aquarium.

While the Russian attacks are criminal, keeping marine mammals in captivity is also tragic and unjustified.  These intelligent creatures belong in the open sea, not behind panes of glass for the entertainment of humans.

Indeed,  we should boycott all aquariums that house marine mammals, whether they are trained to "perform" or not; an exception would be rehabilitation facilities where their confinement is temporary.  Though we are gradually destroying their natural environment as well, these residents of the sea deserve the freedom to fend for themselves, however long the oceans remain habitable.