Stormy Drought Relief

Two potent Pacific storm systems, arriving in sequence this weekend, will produce a variety of severe weather across the Heartland; strong thunderstorms, tornados, high winds, intense lightning and large hail are forecast for many areas.  On the positive side, heavy rains will move across drought-plagued regions of the Great Plains and Midwest.

Here in central Missouri, where a drought persists, the first wave of storms arrived early this morning, dropping an inch of rain.  A second wave is expected this evening and periodic storms will likely develop over the next 48 hours.

While episodes of heavy rain are welcome, brief downpours are not as effective in relieving drought as are prolonged, steady, soaking rains.  Large amounts of rain over short periods of time usually produce rapid runoff with possible flash flooding.  But we'll take rain in any form at this point. 

Birding Guide Nostalgia

When I first started birding, in 1976, I acquired Birds of North America, a Golden Field Guide by Chandler Robbins, et al.  For the first 10 years of my birding "career," it was my go-to guide and I studiously noted the date and place for my first sighting of each species.

As I became more experienced, I upgraded to "higher quality" and more up-to-date field guides, most of which I have since misplaced (i.e. lost).  Dusting off my original guide, I found that it is full of my personal history, documenting where I was at any given time over that decade.  Of course, it also harbors memorable sighting data and, more than any other book I own, is rewardingly nostalgic.

Only veteran birders will appreciate this old man's ramble but I strongly recommend that amateur birders (of whatever age) engage in the same habit of documentation.  You will be glad you did later in life. 

Controversy at Yellowstone

An article in The New York Times this week reports on disagreement regarding the benefits of wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone National Park, especially since ecologic assessments have not always considered complicating factors such as the simultaneous reintroduction of beaver and a record surge in the number of bison.  Prior conclusions that the wolves, by reducing the elk population, have rescued the Park's varied ecosystems (especially riverine corridors) may be overly simplified.

Without getting into the details of the report, the issues seem to boil down to our inability to micromanage nature, especially when we establish unnatural boundaries and overwhelm the Parks with unbridled tourism.  Of course, allowing nature to define both the reintroduction process and the range of resident wildlife species would make the most sense but we humans prefer to establish the rules.

National Parks, however large, gradually become cageless zoos.  Animals that wander beyond the artificial borders of the Park, threaten livestock or injure human visitors are "culled."  Natural ecosystems cannot be confined or regulated. 

Writing & Honesty

Writers should (and usually do) express themselves honestly.  An exception may exist for those who write commercials or political speeches, in which case truth is beside the point.

Of course, this honesty is defined by the writer's own convictions, experience and knowledge; absolute truth is beyond our reach.  The honesty of a writer's essay, poem or story reflects their personal view of life; any effort to evade or disguise that connection is generally apparent to the reader.

Writing exposes the writer.  It is a vehicle of creative expression that flows from the heart and the mind.  To be effective, both the writer and the reader must trust the verity of its message.

Facing Truth on Earth Day

The initial Earth Day was on April 22, 1970, when I was approaching my 20th birthday.  There was a great deal of excitement and hope associated with that declaration, coming amidst the infancy of the Environmental Movement.

Fifty-four years later, the annual celebration continues, reminding conservation-minded individuals that the health of our planet depends on our protection and stewardship of its varied and interconnected ecosystems.  Unfortunately, the success of this project has been mixed, at best.

Habitat protection and anti-pollution efforts have dominated its focus; while public awareness of these issues has surely increased, both remain significant problems and, in some cases, have worsened (plastic pollution, for example).  And, while global warming was not on the public radar in 1970, it has become a major and worsening environmental crisis.  We humans voice our support for conservation measures with ease but action does not often follow.  Happy Earth Day to all!

See also: Earth Day  

Human Rights & Protests

Driving north through Alabama today, passing Jesus signs and Confederate flags, I thought about the Civil Rights Movement, which unfolded as I came of age.  Just a few years after that tumultuous period, I attended rallies and marches myself, protesting the Vietnam War.

Today, Alabama is among the Red States that have abolished the Reproductive Rights of Women, triggering marches and political action across the country; in concert, the inhumane treatment of innocent Palestinians in Gaza has fueled protests on campuses and in cities.  While violence and hate speech are never justified, peaceful protests are vital to American Democracy and must be permitted, even when they inconvenience the general populace.

Those of us who experienced the political upheaval of the Sixties and early Seventies understand that protests had a positive impact (however slow and incomplete) on human rights and governmental policies.  Though we now face different challenges, the cumulative effects of civil dissent, voting and legal action will lead to democratic solutions. 

Dowitchers and a Loon

On our last beach walk in South Florida, I encountered two species that I had not yet observed during this visit.   They were short-billed dowitchers and a single common loon.

About two dozen of the dowitchers were feeding along the shoreline, drilling into the wet sand for marine invertebrates.  They are on their way to northern Canada where they will nest in wooded bogs or wetlands, generally south of the Arctic tundra.

Just as we were leaving the beach, I noticed a common loon well offshore, resting on the calm Gulf waters.  Though I was a bit surprised that it was this far south so late in the spring, it was still on the local eBird checklist, a database far greater than my personal experience.  Today, we begin to head north ourselves. 

Sargassum on Longboat Key

As I reported in March of 2023, the "Sargassum Sea" has been expanding in the Atlantic Ocean, likely due to nitrogen pollutants and warmer sea waters.  While this algal seaweed is a natural component of Subtropical marine environments,  it can "soil" beaches and cause damage to reefs if its annual bloom is excessive.

For the beaches of South Florida, the period from April through July is generally the peak season for sargassum "landfalls."  Ocean currents, storms and prevailing winds determine which beaches will be most affected and, yesterday morning, we encountered the largest swath that we have ever observed on Longboat Key.  Since this long, narrow barrier island is angled from northwest to southeast, it is not surprising that the NW tip was the site of our discovery (see photo).

While humans may not be pleased with such an accumulation of seaweed, the shorebirds were clearly attracted to this nutritious windfall, scouring its surface for a wide variety of marine invertebrates and their eggs.  Ruddy turnstones, willets and sanderlings were the primary diners.

See: The Sargassum Belt 

Thoughts on Therapy Dogs

While I have long admired those who train dogs to assist persons with congenital or acquired disabilities, I must admit to some skepticism when it comes to the current explosion of "therapy dogs" in American society.

No doubt, certain individuals with severe social anxiety might benefit from having a calm dog at their side but airports, hotels, restaurants, gyms and other human gathering sites are now awash with these canines; indeed, they must be admitted by these establishments due to anti-discrimination laws.  On a recent visit to Denver International Airport, I saw dozens of therapy dogs (usually identified by a colorful vest), paraded down the concourse by their seemingly confident owners.

Just as happens with many other forms of medical and psychological treatment, the use of therapy dogs has become a cultural fad.  How many of these owners truly need a pooch at their side?  It is difficult to know for certain but I suspect, in many cases, the benefit extends well beyond the dog's calming effect. 

A Morning at Lido Key Beach

Lido Key Beach, off Sarasota, is one of the best locations along the west coast of Florida for birding, wildlife watching, shelling and walking.  Also popular for social gatherings, it can be a bit crowded on weekends.

On this sunny, warm morning, we walked the beach, my wife shelling while I, of course, surveyed the birdlife.  The usual mix of seabirds and shorebirds were observed but black-bellied plovers were especially abundant.  I counted 120 individuals, resting in flocks on the sand or hunting along the shoreline; these travelers were in various stages of molting to their attractive breeding plumage and will soon depart for the Arctic tundra.

My northern gannet watch continues without success during this visit to South Florida.  While the white adults have headed to breeding colonies in the North Atlantic, dark-brown juveniles often remain on wintering waters throughout the year.  Since they tend to stay well offshore, they are identified by their size, shape, flight pattern and their spectacular vertical dives for fish.  Alas, no sightings yet. 

A Pioneer Mangrove

As barrier islands along South Florida's Coast have been developed, large swaths of mangrove have been destroyed.  This has been unfortunate due to their important role in coast stabilization, habitat for sea bird rookeries, the protection of marine fisheries and, most recently, carbon capture.

At our condo development on Longboat Key, which dates from the late 1960s, coastal mangroves were destroyed though offshore mangrove islands remain intact along the margin of Sarasota Bay.  A few years ago, we noticed that a solitary red mangrove (photo) was growing in a rock pile along our sea wall; left alone, it has steadily grown and would spread if it were not at the edge of the boat channel (which will surely be kept open).

Mangroves spread by various propagules, including seeds, buds, roots and stem segments that float to nearby shallows and give rise to new growth.  Hopefully, the condo maintenance team will respect this pioneer plant and allow it to adorn the sea wall for many years to come.

A Birder's Church

Early on this beautiful Sunday morning in South Florida, we drove up to Leffis Key, one of the most popular and "productive" birding locations in Manatee County.  During our brief visit, the birding was fair but everyone we encountered was birding.

One might say it was a birding church, where members congregate to observe, respect and appreciate the natural world.  After all, most avid birders are naturalists and are thus devoted to naturalist philosophy.  Whether one believes in a God or not, what better way to acknowledge the wonders of life than to immerse ourselves in natural ecosystems.

Many humans choose to connect through public piety, finding solace in song, prayer and ritual.  Some of us are more inclined to find our common purpose in the beauty, diversity and welfare of nature. 

An Unexpected Visitor

Walking along the beach this morning, I encountered the usual mix of shorebirds and seabirds that inhabit or frequent Longboat Key.  Joining them was one unexpected visitor.

A barn swallow, more associated with open farm country, was skimming the dunes, searching for insects.  Of course, this traveler (like myself) is but a transient visitor to the barrier island, far more comfortable in terrestrial ecosystems.

Having wintered in Central or South America, barn swallows are common summer residents throughout most of North America; a circumpolar species, they also nest in Europe and Asia.  Well adapted to rural human communities, especially those near lakes and wetlands, barn swallows nest primarily beneath the eaves of buildings or under bridges.  This morning's traveler was the first I have seen this spring. 

Semi-Palmated Plovers

Among the thousands of shorebirds and seabirds at Whitney Beach (on Longboat Key) this morning, there were two semi-palmated plovers, at opposite ends of the strand.  I thus felt obliged to acknowledge their presence in a blog post.

Though more often seen in flocks during migration, this morning's loners are on their way to northern Canada or Alaska, where they breed.  Unlike many of their cousins, semi-palmated plovers prefer to nest and feed on graveled islands and sandbars in meandering Arctic rivers; their diet consists of insects, worms and other invertebrates.

These plovers winter along the coasts of North and South America; they migrate a bit later in spring than most shorebirds and may still be encountered in the American Heartland through early May.  Perhaps our paths will cross again. 

Gulf Coast Storm

A potent spring storm has been crawling eastward along the northern Gulf Coast over the past few days, producing severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, torrential rains and coastal flooding.  This morning, the heart of the system is in northern Florida and its trailing cold front is approaching the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.

A tornado watch has been issued for areas north of Tampa Bay and we expect thunderstorms to reach Longboat Key by early afternoon.  This morning, we enjoyed a short walk on the beach, buffeted by strong south winds ahead of the cold front.  Despite the rough surf, sanderlings raced ahead of the incoming waves, ruddy turnstones and willets scoured the wind-swept beach and a mixed squadron of brown pelicans, cormorants, gulls and terns fished on the roiling Gulf waters.

Attentive to weather warnings, we humans appropriately head for shelter until the storm passes.  Wildlife, always in survival mode, adapt to the changing conditions but remain active as long as possible; their lives depend on that resilience. 

Evening Bay Watch

Granted a calm, warm evening along Sarasota Bay, I opted for an hour of birdwatching.  Though the absolute number of sightings was relatively low, it was more than worth my time.

Sitting at the edge of the seawall, my attention first turned to a little blue heron, hunting in a swath of grass.  Fish crows noisily called from the nearby rooftops while a pair of magnificent frigatebirds soared silently above the bay.  Brown pelicans, double-crested cormorants, white ibis and red-breasted mergansers were the most abundant visitors but I also encountered small numbers of least and royal terns, yellow-crowned night herons, great egrets, tricolored herons and roseate spoonbills.

Just before returning to our condo,  I watched five manatees glide along the seawall, their rotund figures barely visible in the fading light.  More from Longboat Key in the coming days.

Closer to Home

While many of us prefer the mountains to the sea and though our own species evolved in the semi-arid Rift Valley of Africa, the sea is the homeland of all life, first appearing in her waters some 3.6 billion years ago.  Indeed, life was limited to the sea until about 440 million years ago, when the first terrestrial plants and animals began to inhabit the tidal flats.

Today, many humans live far from the sea and some never visit it during their lives.  Nevertheless, she is the Mother of all life and her realm is our homeland.  Perhaps it is our subconscious awareness of this fact that makes beach vacations and sea cruises so popular.

So, for the next two weeks, I am closer to home, one that I share with every person, mountain goat, cactus and earthworm on our Planet.  Sadly, we humans keep trashing it. 

Flashback Post LI

As millions of Americans gather to witness the total solar eclipse today, we are in South Florida, well southeast of its geographic path.  I have thus decided to relive and republish my eclipse experience from August of 2017.

See: Totality! 

Birding at 70 MPH

Birders who reside in or visit Florida know that many of the State's avian species, especially the larger ones, can be seen from a moving vehicle, even while traveling on the Interstates.  While not an ideal form of birding, it does help to pass the time when road trips are necessary.

Cattle egrets and sandhill cranes are often observed on the open fields and pastures while ospreys, bald eagles and vultures (both turkey and black) frequently soar overhead.  Ibis, wood storks, anhingas, roseate spoonbills, egrets and a variety of herons tend to cross your path and swallow-tailed kites may be observed strafing the roadside treetops.  Should your drive be close to the sea or large bays, you might also encounter brown pelicans, cormorants, magnificent frigatebirds and a host of gulls and terns.

I suppose it is best to keep your eyes on the road (and, for the record, I officially recommend it) but, as an avid birder for almost fifty years, I know that we reflexively identify any passing, airborne image. 

New Jersey's Earthquake

The Magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, on April 5, was caused by a rather shallow, intra-plate slip along an old fault.  Though not uncommon in the Eastern and Central U.S., any quake not along the Pacific Coast garners significant attention.

Indeed, major earthquakes in North America generally occur along the Continent's Pacific edge where remnants of the Farallon Plate are subducting beneath the North American Plate or (in Southern California) where the Pacific Plate is sliding past the North American Plate.  The North American Plate, itself, is forming along the mid-Atlantic Ridge and is thus creeping westward; the Eastern Coast of the U.S. is a Passive Margin, defined primarily by the level of the sea.

Nevertheless, old fractures, faults and sutures remain beneath that region, having formed when the Appalachians rose or when our Continent formed from smaller fragments of crust.  When pressure builds, likely from geologic events along the Pacific Coast, these old joints may slip or rupture, producing an earthquake and its subsequent aftershocks.