Winter to Dip through the East

Over the next five days, an atmospheric trough will dip through the Eastern U.S., from the Mississippi Valley to the Atlantic Coast.  Ahead of that trough, a band of rain will push across the Midwest and into the Northeast while, within the trough, cold air will bring the first taste of winter to most of the region.

As the cold air pours southward, lake-effect snows will develop in the Great Lakes States, beginning along the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and shifting to the southern and eastern shores of Lakes Michigan, Erie and Ontario.  Later in the week, snow is expected to fall along the Appalachian Chain, from New England to western North Carolina.

The southern edge of the trough will affect the Deep South as well, dropping overnight temperatures into the upper 30s F along the Northern Gulf Coast and into the 40s down the Florida Peninsula.  Meanwhile, behind this broad dip in the jet stream, warm, moist air will balloon northward from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing heavy rain to most of Texas and the Southern Plains.

Greeted by Snowbirds

Returning to our Littleton, Colorado, farm after a six-week absence, I was pleased to observe flocks of dark-eyed juncos foraging on the property.  These small, attractive sparrows breed across Alaska and Canada and southward through the mountain corridors of North America.  Represented by six subspecies, four of which have limited ranges in the West, all dark-eyed juncos are easily identified by their small size, their clean-edged plumage, their habit of feeding in flocks on the ground and their outer, white tail feathers that become evident as they fly off.

While they consume insects and feed them to nestlings on their breeding territory, juncos feast primarily on seeds and often gather beneath bird feeders.  Though they favor open, coniferous forest when nesting,  they tend to gather in grassy areas with scattered shrubs and trees during the colder months (hence their common presence in suburbs).

Generally arriving on their wintering grounds by mid October, dark-eyed juncos form large flocks by early spring and head north (or into the mountains) by April.  Until then, we are pleased to host them on our farm. 

Our Music Lives On

Stop by any cafe, sports bar or college hangout and you will find that the background music is usually from the 1970s.  Those fifty-year-old songs have retained their appeal, even for persons born long after their initial release.

For those of us now in our own seventies, these "soft rock" tunes offer more than nostalgia and musical entertainment.  Most of us were in college or grad school during that era and know that the lyrics reflect the social upheaval that characterized that decade.  Political turmoil, anti-war protests, drug experimentation, budding environmentalism and sexual liberation were among the fodder for many of the songs.

Knowing that "our music" holds its value in modern society is reassuring.  After all, we would never have listened to music from the 1920s during our personal years of freedom. 

A Harrier Heyday

When I cross the High Plains of western Kansas and eastern Colorado during the colder months, I expect to see rough-legged hawks, down from the Arctic to winter on that windswept landscape.  While I did see a few today, they were greatly outnumbered by northern harriers.

Though I wasn't counting, I likely observed twenty of those low-altitude hunters, all but two of which were males.  After breeding across Alaska, Canada and the northern half of the U.S., these raptors winter throughout Central and Southern latitudes of the U.S. and southward as far as South America.

Identified by their long tail and wings, owl-like face, white rump and habit of flying low over open terrain, northern harriers feed on small mammals and birds; during the warmer months, they also hunt for snakes, lizards and frogs.  Males are gray above with black edging on their wings while females are brown in color.  Nests are placed on the ground in dense grass or marsh.  

Escorted by Red-Tails

Heading west on this glorious November day, I followed Interstate 70, the most direct route between our two homes.  Red-tailed hawks are always common along this highway but they were especially abundant today.

While most perched on trees, power poles or road signs, seeming to mark my path, some circled above the highway or hunted on adjacent farmlands.  On occasion, one would streak across the road, disappearing into tall grass that lines the Interstate.  West of Salina, where the terrain begins a gradual climb to the High Plains, tree-cover thins out and the red-tails gradually decreased in number.

Though I hesitate to attribute human sensibilities to most other animal species, the hawks appeared to relish the inviting autumn weather as much as I did.  To imagine such a close connection, however unscientific, serves to remind us that all life forms on Planet Earth are interdependent.  

A Peregrine in the Suburbs

Peregrine falcons, which feed primarily on waterfowl and shorebirds, are best found along rivers, lakeshores and coastlines.  Nevertheless, they inhabit mountainous areas as well and are known to consume a wide variety of birds; indeed, in large cities, they nest on skyscrapers and feast on pigeons.

Yesterday afternoon, as I walked through our backyard, the songbirds in our trees suddenly became agitated and flew off in various directions.  Before I could locate the cause of their distress, a large falcon streaked above the treetops at a high rate of speed, disappearing beyond our property.  Based on its size, its plumage and its hunting style, it clearly was a peregrine falcon.

Those observed in the American Heartland during the autumn migration are likely arriving from Canada, the Great Lakes Region or isolated locations along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and will winter along the Gulf Coast, in Mexico or as far south as South America. 

Morning Raptors at Eagle Bluffs

On this sunny, cool morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, the water restoration continues to attract waterfowl, now dominated by green-winged teal and American coot.  Other species included mallards, blue-winged teal, northern shovelers, gadwall and pied-billed grebes.  A pair of double-crested cormorants were also encountered.

But the highlight of my visit was the number and variety of raptors, represented by two bald eagles (one adult and one immature), two red-shouldered hawks, a female northern harrier, a sharp-shinned hawk, a red-tailed hawk, two American kestrels and a merlin.  While the cool air and expanding waterfowl population may have played a role, one suspects that the increasing water cover is flushing prey (mice, voles, cottontails) into the open, attracting the aerial hunters.

Whatever the reason, it was good to see that this floodplain refuge is gradually reclaiming its past glory, augmenting the diversity of its wild residents and visitors.

A Powerful Rebuke

Yesterday's "Blue Tsunami" was a powerful rebuke of Trumpism, especially related to corruption, economic inequality and the cruel reign of ICE.  Now that Democrats control both the House and the Senate, Trump's unopposed policies and irrational behavior will finally be corralled.

Truth and justice will prevail once again.  Science will regain its fundamental role.  Racism, misogyny and homophobia will no longer be tolerated.  Vital international relationships will be restored and American democracy will regain its influence across the globe.  Of course, this healing process will take some time and must include the election of a unifying President in 2028. 

Though we must still endure the bumbling incompetence of our Narcissist in Chief, his ruthless bullying will drain away as Congress asserts its essential responsibilities.  Americans have rejected authoritarian rule.

Spring Arrives in November

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

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

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

Desert Rain to Mountain Snow

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

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

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

Disband the Parties

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

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

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

An Adventure in the Ozarks

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

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

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

Speaking to Agents

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

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

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

Let it Flow!

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

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

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

Harris's Sparrow

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

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

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

Winter Residents Return

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

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

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

Life & Choice

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

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

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

Outdoor Reading Season

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

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

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

From Diversity to Survival

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

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

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

Another Sluggish Migration

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

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

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