Snow before the Arctic Blast

Following several mild, sunny days along the Front Range, snow is expected to arrive this evening and last through much of tomorrow.  It will develop along the leading edge of the latest Polar Vortex as it sinks across the Heartland, eventually bringing freezing temperatures as far south as the northern Gulf Coast.

When these domes of dense, Arctic air plunge southward, they often track east of the High Plains, guided by the topography of the Continent.  On occasion, as will occur this week, they back up against the Front Range and slide southward along the mountains.  In general, this pattern brings frigid air to the urban corridor but does not usually produce much snow.

On the other hand, the cold, dense air may sit in place for several days until displaced by a new Pacific Front.  Unfortunately, the intense Colorado sunshine pierces the atmosphere at a low angle in mid winter and adds little warmth under such conditions. 

Fox in the Moonlight

Leaving our farmhouse early this morning, I was taken by the shadows on the snow-covered ground, produced by the waning Wolf Moon.  Just as I climbed into my pickup, our resident red fox trotted across the property, oblivious of my presence.

Absent for some time, she was clearly out for a pre-dawn hunt.  Now that she has returned, our cottontail population will crash once again, a cycle I have witnessed over the past two decades.

I'm rather fond of both species but nature has her hierarchy and, on our farm, the fox is at the top of the food chain (unless, of course, a coyote wanders in).  Though she may have a suitor by next month and cubs by spring, she appears content to live in peace for now. 

Toward the Wolf Moon

When I left Hays, Kansas, early this morning, the bright Wolf Moon gleamed from the western sky.  Just below and to its right was Mars, rather dim due to the intense moonlight.

As the sun rose, Mars disappeared altogether but the full moon remained visible, guiding me westward across the High Plains.  By the time I entered the Mountain Time Zone, in western Kansas, the moon had set.  Nevertheless, I still imagined its beauty farther west, adorning the magnificent scenery of the Mountain West.

Indeed, the title Wolf Moon was especially appropriate on this clear, cold morning, knowing that its namesake was likely howling at its bright disc and using this natural nightlight to aid the early morning hunt. 

Snows in the Snow II

Heading back to Colorado, I drove across snow-covered terrain from Columbia, Missouri, all the way to Hays, Kansas, where I will spend the night.  Bright sunshine and a deep blue sky combined with the snow to make the landscape look deceptively pristine.

With all due respect to the many hawks (mostly red-tails) that hunted along the Interstate, the highlight of my journey was a large flock of snow geese, resting and feeding in crop stubble west of Topeka.  Were it not for the brief flight of a restless goose, searching for a better spot in the crowd, I would likely not have noticed the flock.

So, finally, I have encountered migrant geese this season.  Whether they were tardy autumn migrants, early spring migrants or just wintering in that region of Kansas is uncertain.  Whatever brought them to that field is immaterial; it was a pleasure to have seen them.

Note:  The first post titled Snows in the Snow was published in March of 2015. 

Trees Native to Hawaii

Watching a PGA tournament from Oahu this afternoon, I began to wonder how many trees are native to that remote Pacific archipelago.  I thus consulted Common Forest Trees of Hawaii by Elbert L. Little and Roger G. Skolmen of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (available online).

Before reading the article, I assumed that few of Hawaii's trees are native to the islands due to their remote location and relatively young age (10 million years or so); I was wrong.  In fact, Hawaii leads all U.S. States in its number of native tree species.  At least 300 grace the islands, thought to have evolved from 78 unique species that arrived over the years; genetic testing suggests that 45 arrived from the West or Southwest (Indo-Pacific region), 16 from the South Pacific and 7 from North America.

The seeds are thought to have arrived on floating vegetation, via seabird droppings or on the winds of powerful hurricanes.  Of course, the lush vegetation of present-day Hawaii also includes a large number of trees introduced by early Polynesian settlers, by European explorers and by modern-day humans.  Of note, 18 of the many palm species found today are native to Hawaii.

Southern Snowstorm expands Northward

The most recent snowstorm, forecast to spread from northeast Texas to the Mid-Atlantic region, is taking in more real estate than expected.  Here in central Missouri, we were initially thought to be on the northern fringe of the passing storm but received more snow overnight than we did with last week's storm, when we were squarely in the bullseye.

Indeed, snow is falling across the southern States, from Arkansas to the Carolinas, but the breath of the snowfall is now expected to reach northward to the Great Lakes.  Apparently, the storm has more strength than expected, a development that will be all too common as our climate warms.

The snowfall in our region will likely end by late morning but some of the system's more dangerous effects will come in the form of an ice storm along the southern edge of the snow swath.  As wildfires rage in the west, ice may cripple some areas of the Southeast. 

Disasters, Risk & Questions

As the California wildfires reach epic proportions, we mourn the tragic loss for so many residents and businesses and, if we can, donate to relief efforts that might ease the pain of those affected.  We have seen such disasters before but not to this extent.

The same might be said for losses related to floods, hurricanes, mudslides and other natural disasters.  As we know, the frequency and severity of these events will significantly increase as our climate warms.  Yet, once the immediate danger subsides, we humans insist on rebuilding in high risk zones: dry forest canyons, barrier islands, floodplains and coastal lowlands, among others.

The drive to restore one's home and community is understandable but how many rounds will occur before we abandon these areas?  Santa Ana winds, severe hurricanes, extensive flooding, prolonged drought and wildfires will continue to occur and their effects will only worsen.  Perhaps it is time to face reality and restrict construction in high risk terrain; while some disasters, such as tornados, might ravage any city or community, others are predictable, based on regional weather patterns, ecology and topography. 

A Murder at Midday

It was a beautiful afternoon in Columbia.  Bright sunshine reflected from the snowy landscape and the clear, cold air was peacefully calm.  Then, a murder ended the tranquility.

A large, noisy flock of crows has been wandering about our neighborhood for the past few days.  Fifty or more of these aggressive omnivores have joined together in search of food.  Not at all unusual during the winter months, such behavior is especially beneficial when snow and ice coat the landscape.

Despite their boisterous style, this murder of crows is welcome to stay as long as necessary.  As I have expressed in the past, I admire and appreciate their role in nature's cycle of life. 

Facebook, Truth & Politics

Facebook, the largest social media site on the planet, has decided to get rid of its fact-checking team.  While the excuse seems to be that their service is too cumbersome and expensive, one suspects that this move is another effort to curry favor with the upcoming Trump Administration.

Unfortunately, many Americans get their news on Facebook and the second reign of King Trump will be the source of countless lies and conspiracy theories.  When we need the protection of truth the most, Facebook has declined to participate.

Ironically, this decision comes at a time when Artificial Intelligence might be effectively utilized to weed out disinformation.  Apparently, Mark Zuckerberg is more concerned about appeasing MAGA Republicans than he is with publishing the truth.

Note: Facebook is a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, Inc. 

Remembering a Friend

A friend of mine died recently.  He had been a fellow professor at the University of Missouri (though not in the medical field) and died unexpectedly, in his 80s.  Since I did not know his family well, the news of his death did not reach me for a few weeks.

We had initially met at one of the ovals on campus where both of us chose to eat our lunch outdoors.  As it turned out, we had a lot in common, especially regarding our philosophy of life and our fondness for the Mountain West.  In time, he had discovered this blog and his interest was truly an honor.  

He was a kind and thoughtful person and his influence will live on in my life.  What more can we hope to achieve with those we come to know? 

The Storm Arrives

The first sign of this major winter storm was the tapping of sleet against our windows overnight.  By this morning, we had received more sleet than snow in central Missouri and accumulations were modest in this region.

Periods of sleet and snow continued throughout the day but, as Arctic air filters down from the north, the precipitation has changed to all snow.  Indeed, as I write this post, a band of moderate to heavy snowfall stretches from eastern Kansas to Washington DC.  South of that band, an ice storm is placing power lines at risk and, farther south, severe thunderstorms are raking the Gulf Coast States.

Whether we reach our forecast total of a foot or more of snow remains uncertain but one must acknowledge the accuracy of the Weather Service models; seemingly off base this morning their predictions are coming to fruition this evening. 

Before the Polar Plunge

Expecting heavy snow and Arctic air in central Missouri over the coming week, I decided a visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area was in order.  To my surprise, there was more open water at the refuge than I have observed in a year or more; no doubt, most of it will be frozen over after the approaching storm.

The variety and number of waterfowl was fair, dominated by mallards once again.  As is often the case in winter, raptors proved to be the highlight, including an adult bald eagle, three northern harriers, three red-tailed hawks, an American kestrel and what I believe to have been a peregrine falcon (based on its size and shape); the latter was backlit by the bright sun and too distant to identify with certainty.

Remarkably, I did not encounter any red-winged blackbirds during my visit, a first in my many years of touring Eagle Bluffs.  Of course, neither did I observe any migrant geese, another seasonal first for this frustrated birder. 

Winter gets Serious

The first half of January will be marked by a "polar plunge" as a deep atmospheric trough brings Arctic air to most of the central and eastern U.S.  Some areas will also receive a significant amount of snow, especially in the "lake-effect" areas of the Great Lakes region.

Here in central Missouri, the snow will not arrive until this coming weekend but the extreme cold is expected to persist through all of next week.  If current forecasts are correct, we could receive up to 18 inches of snow.

As our climate warms, average annual temperatures will continue to climb but they will represent a mix of extreme heat and brutally cold periods, superimposed on "typical" seasonal patterns.  An energized jet stream will be responsible for the dramatic shifts and for the severity of storms that they produce. 

Another Revolution

New Year's Day is an arbitrary choice to mark the beginning of Earth's orbit around the Sun; it does not coincide with a solstice or an equinox.  Nevertheless,  it is an emotional day for most humans since we measure our lives by years and reaching another one is always an accomplishment.

Of course, some revolutions are more important than others, affording new, society-based opportunities; 16, 18, and 21 trips around the sun are important mileposts in America.  Then there are anniversaries, marking the longevity of marriages, employment and, most importantly, life itself.  For those dealing with the threat of illness or advanced age, each revolution is a gift.

So, on this unnatural starting line for another revolution, I wish everyone a safe, pleasant and rewarding journey. 

Southern End of the Appalachians

As one drives northward across the Piedmont of central Alabama, prominent ridges are noted in Metro Birmingham.  These represent the southern end of the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachians.

North of the city, Interstate 65 negotiates the southern end of the Appalachian Plateau, dipping, rising and curving through this heavily dissected terrain.  Along the northern edge of the Plateau is the broad valley of the Tennessee River; the highway crosses this major stream within Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, where, on cue, a pair of sandhill cranes cruised above our vehicle.

North of the river's floodplain, an appealing topography of low hills and ridges border the Interstate, drained by the Elk and Duck Rivers of Southern Tennessee; flowing westward, they are major tributaries of the Tennessee River, which curves northward toward the Ohio.  The Duck River, designated a Wild and Scenic River, is the longest stream totally within the State of Tennessee.

See also: The Western Appalachians 

Thanks, Jimmy

Former President Jimmy Carter died today at 100.  He may not have been the most effective of our Presidents but he certainly did more for the planet (and for humanity) during and after his Presidency than any of our other leaders.

I may have not agreed with some of his personal beliefs but he was an individual who welcomed dissent and did not judge others.  He was an environmentalist and a spokesman for social justice.  Foregoing the financial trappings of the Presidency, he dedicated himself to the welfare of those overlooked by the power brokers of American society.

Most of all, Jimmy Carter was a good person.  He lived a full but unassuming life and his soft spoken kindness and fairness will be missed.  Thanks, Jimmy, for your wisdom and grace. 

Anhingas

 Among the more exotic birds in the Deep South are anhingas (photo).  Often called the "snakebird" since it swims with its long neck and pointed beak out of water, the anhinga favors wooded swamps, bayous and mangrove lined bays.

Like cormorants, they commonly perch on snags and posts to dry their wings and feed primarily on fish.  Most often seen alone, anhingas gather to breed in colonies, often in the company of other species (waders, pelicans, cormorants).

Anhingas are permanent residents in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, in coastal Mexico and Central America and throughout much of South America.  In summer, their range extends northward up the Southeast Coast and into the lower Mississippi Valley.

Birding Near the Condo

Our condo on Longboat Key looks out over Sarasota Bay and the complex extends westward, across the main road, to the Gulf of Mexico.  Generally a great location for birding, my observations have been less than stellar on this trip.  I wonder if the hurricanes played a role but this has been the least number and variety of species that I have encountered since we purchased the property, 21 years ago.

The low number of American white pelicans and red-breasted mergansers on the Bay has been especially evident.  Waders, in general, have been relatively uncommon though energetic flocks of white ibis still patrol the complex; ospreys, brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants have also appeared in their typical numbers.

One highlight has been an increased number of wood stocks flying over this part of the Key.  Listed as a "threatened species" in Florida since the 1970's, the welfare of these birds has been threatened by the degradation of wetlands (primarily through drainage and pollution).   

Christmas on the Beach

One does not get a "White Christmas" here in South Florida (except for the white sand) but it sometimes feels like a Midwestern winter.  Cloudy, cool, breezy conditions greeted us on the beach this morning and sunbathers remained huddled in their cozy condos.

We did encounter a few other humans who braved the chilly conditions and came across small flocks of laughing gulls, temporarily grounded by the light fog and drizzle.  A lone dolphin swam past in the calm Gulf waters where a few terns and brown pelicans dove for their morning meal.

But we can't complain.  It's still a lovely spot to visit and, if the forecast holds, warm sunshine will return by tomorrow.  Happy Holidays to all!