Back at Denver's NWR

On this beautiful morning along the Colorado Front Range, my wife and I visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR in northeast Metro Denver.  Once an Army base and munitions depot, it is now a 15,000 acre expanse of prairie, woodlands and lakes.

On our first visit in more than a decade, we hiked around marsh-lined Lake Mary and along a tree-lined portion of Lake Ladora.  Though the refuge is renowned for its bison, bald eagles, black-footed ferrets and burrowing owls, our sightings today were limited to Canada geese, double-crested cormorants, American white pelicans, belted kingfishers and a host of common songbirds.  Unfortunately, the 11-mile Wildlife Drive was closed today due to road work.

The Refuge is best reached from the intersection of Quebec Pkwy and 56th Avenue.  Drive north on Quebec Pkwy, turn right (east) on Prairie Pkwy and then left on Gateway Rd. which enters the refuge near the Visitor Center.  Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, except on major holidays.  In addition to the Wildlife Drive, 20 miles of footpaths wind through southern portions of the refuge.  

Bullies

Bullies are individuals who use fear and intimidation to make themselves feel more powerful.  King Trump is a bully.

His endless decrees attacking all perceived enemies, including Senators and Congressmen, judges, economists (including the Federal Reserve Chairman), educators, corporate executives, foreign countries and journalists are designed to influence their behavior and to feed his narcissistic personality.  To date, there has been far too little resistance and his bullying continues.

Indeed, though one finds Trump's behavior outrageous, one might blame much of it on his psychological problems.  Most of the blame should, in my opinion, fall on those who condone, justify, support or cave-in to his demands.  Until such individuals and groups have the backbone to stand up to Trump's bullying, his sense of omnipotence will only grow and his reckless policies will continue to degrade our Democracy. 

On the Scottish Coast

Once again, the PGA Tour has taken viewers to an interesting geographic area.  This week, it is the Genesis Scottish Open, on the southern coast of the Firth of Forth, east of Edinburgh.

Today's third round is being played under sunny skies and CBS peppers its coverage with views of the rocky coastline, the Firth of Forth and the Highlands beyond.  While I certainly enjoy watching the match itself, the chance to encounter new and scenic geography is a special feature of the Tour.

My wife and I were fortunate to visit Scotland in 2019 and explored most of the country, including Edinburgh.  But we did not get out to the peninsula where this week's match is being held and I appreciate the geographic perspective.  More than any other televised sport, golf takes us to landscapes across the globe. 

Freedom and the Young

Having come of age during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War Protests, I know that younger generations of Americans were instrumental to the success of those political upheavals.  Today, as King Trump and his loyal Congress threaten personal rights and the welfare of our planet, it will be up to young Americans to turn the tide.

Non-violent protests, boycotts, massive voter turnouts and relatively young, energetic candidates must all play a role.  Personal freedoms, global cooperation, conservation and the threats of climate change seem to be the primary issues but the overall effort must be directed at the protection of our Democracy and Constitution.

The widespread protests on No Kings Day were heartening but the commitment to dislodge Trump and his loyalists cannot fade.  Otherwise, we are headed toward a dictatorship that could alter the fabric of life in America for decades to come.  It will be today's younger generations that have the most to lose. 

Raccoon at Noon

Sitting in the shade on our Littleton, Colorado, farm, I was surprised to see a raccoon wandering about our backyard.  Since they are primarily nocturnal, I generally encounter raccoons very early or late in the day or am awakened at night by their squabbling.  To see a raccoon just before noon on a hot, sunny day was thus unusual.

Raccoons do tend to be solitary creatures for most of the year though they may gather in small same-sex groups.  Mating occurs from January to March and a litter of 2-5 kits is typical.  The mother and her offspring disperse by late summer and at least half of the kits will be dead within a year, usually succumbing to starvation, predation or automobiles.  Adults rarely live longer than three years in the wild.

Our solitary visitor seemed to have emerged from the barn, beneath which he is likely denning.  Due to their poor long-distance eyesight, he did not take notice of my presence as he scoured the shrub line and "lawn" for fruit, various invertebrates or mice.  Once he disappeared into our "wild corner," consisting of a compost bin, a brush pile and overgrown vegetation, I went inside to let him hunt in peace. 

Trump and Texas

As the tragic flooding and loss of life continue to unfold in central Texas, King Trump has released Federal aid for the search, rescue and relief efforts.  Of course, this follows his decision to cut funding for FEMA, the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

While the latter organizations are vital to the forecasting of severe weather events and to the recovery from their effects, Trump thinks they are a waste of Federal money; in his opinion, States have the resources to manage their own disasters.  Then came Texas, a wealthy Red State that immediately requested Federal assistance.

King Trump is not fond of science-based policies, cutting funds for medical research and other vital programs.  One hates to be cynical in the face of an unfolding disaster, but one wonders if Trump will be as responsive to Blue State disasters.  After all, he is all about political power; his empathy rating is zero. 

Tropical Storm Chantal

Having formed off the Georgia coast, Tropical Storm Chantal is expected to make landfall in South Carolina by tomorrow morning.  Since it is not a hurricane, it may not be taken as seriously as it should.

Heavy rain is expected to fall across coastal and near-inland areas of the Carolinas and coastal flooding from wind-driven waves and storm surge is forecast for North Carolina.  The risk of inland flooding may also extend into the Mid-Atlantic Region.

As we have seen with this weekend's tragic flooding in central Texas, it is increasingly difficult to predict regional rainfall.  Established models do not apply as our climate warms and those who minimize the potential effects of Chantal do so at their own risk. 

Flooding in Central Texas

An isolated and stationary storm system has brought torrential rain to Central Texas overnight.  The Hill Country and adjacent areas have experienced extensive flooding and the Guadelupe River Valley has been especially hard hit.  Unfortunately, the system is not expected to dissipate until this evening.

Though not associated with a potent storm front, this low pressure center has drawn in moisture from the humid air that surrounds it.  And, unlike tropical storms and hurricanes, strong winds and tornados have not been a feature.

Rather, this destructive storm system is just the latest evidence that our warming climate will produce saturated air, augmenting either rainfall or snowfall, depending on the season and location.  Perhaps this event will get Governor Abbott's attention, a Trump devotee and climate change denier.

Update 7/11/25: At least 129 persons have been killed and at least 150 remain missing. 

The Missouri-Mississippi Divide

Driving across northwest Missouri and southwest Iowa earlier this week, I crossed a number of small rivers flowing westward toward the Missouri River.  As is often the case, I wondered where they arose and came to suspect that it must be along the Missouri-Mississippi Divide.

Though far less spectacular than the high divides of the American West, this divide separates the watersheds of rivers flowing into the Missouri River from those flowing more directly toward the Mississippi.  This line of high ground cuts across the southwestern corner of Minnesota and then runs south through western Iowa.  Before reaching Missouri, the divide curves eastward across southern Iowa and then dips south and east through northeast Missouri, ending at the junction of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, just north of St. Louis.  The southern portion of this divide passes through St. Louis and then runs south through southeastern Missouri where it eventually intersects the watershed of the Arkansas River (see The Missouri-Arkansas Divide).

This hydrologic description may be of no interest to many readers but geography buffs, such as myself, want to understand the terrain through which we travel.  After all, in concert with tectonic forces and the underlying geology, rivers have sculpted those landscapes. 

Trump's New Florida Property

Desperate for more space to detain "criminal" immigrants, King Trump has accepted Governor Ron DeSantis' offer to develop a facility at an old airfield in the Florida Everglades.  No doubt, it will lack the posh amenities offered at Mar-a-Lago.

The tent city, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is expected to have air conditioning units but, to my knowledge, no pool is planned.  One wonders how it will fare if struck by a tropical storm or hurricane.

Opposed by conservationists, regional Native Americans and human rights organizations, the property's location is hailed as offering ideal security, bordered by many miles of swampland, teaming with alligators, pythons, panthers and biting insects.  I doubt Trump will spend much time there.

Addendum (7/4/25): A strong thunderstorm (not a tropical storm or hurricane) has already flooded parts of the facility.

Steady State at Eagle Bluffs

As lightning flashed to our south, a friend and I entered Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this morning.  The cloudy, mild conditions were welcome after another period of intense heat.

Across the floodplain refuge, little had changed since last week.  Ample water remained in the central channel and several pools still broke the verdant landscape.  Nevertheless, waders, limited to great egrets and great blue herons had decreased in number.  A lone bald eagle surveyed the watery terrain from a dead snag but there were no waterfowl and perhaps not enough fish to keep him around.  Once again, indigo buntings and dickcissels dominated the songbird population though a large flock of mourning doves had gathered on power lines along the entry road.  In all, 23 avian species were encountered during our 90 minute visit.

It appears, for now, that the Conservation Area has reached a steady state for the summer, relying on intermittent thunderstorms to replenish its water supply.  Flow from the city sewage lines has not yet resumed and our patience may be tested for some time.  But we'll keep stopping by. 

Flashback Post LXVIII

As billionaires and wealthy celebrities gather in Venice, Italy, to celebrate the second wedding of Jeff Bezos, the outrageous extravagance has triggered protests in that city, echoing sentiments that I expressed in April of 2013.

See: The Cost of Extravagance 

Summer Slowdown

Ask naturalists to rank the seasons by their level of interest and most would place summer last on the list.  Of course, there are exceptions, especially for those focused on insects, amphibians and reptiles, and, to be honest, each season offers its special rewards when it comes to flora and weather.

But summer induces a general slowdown for most species of wildlife as the midday heat suppresses activity.  The mating and nesting seasons are over, there are no migrants passing through and the abundance of food diminishes the need to forage any significant distance.  Furthermore, many birds and mammals limit their excursions to the early morning and evening hours.

Late summer does bring an influx of avian wanderers and the first substantial wave of migrants (especially shorebirds) but that seems far off as we endure the summer heat.  Facing a longer summer season as our climate warms, we best learn to enjoy it. 

Heat & Energy

During the ongoing heat wave, which has affected most States east of the Rockies, there has been a great deal of political chatter.  Most Democrats, concerned about the threats imposed by climate change, point to the extreme weather as strong evidence that we must enact policies to mitigate global warming.

Most Republicans, on the other hand, place emphasis on the stress to our energy grid, arguing for more natural gas production and even suggesting that coal-fueled plants be fired up.  They prefer to ignore climate change and are inclined to belittle the value of green energy sources.  Indeed, the Trump Administration has cut Federal subsidies for electric vehicles, wind farms and solar energy production.

It is an ecologic vs. economic political confrontation.  Ample evidence indicates that the burning of fossil fuels is responsible for global warming and its many complications.  To ignore that fact and to focus solely on increasing energy production via their use is a disturbing and potentially disastrous choice. 

Governing by Impulse

King Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear sites is just the latest example of his impulsive style.  Not bothering to consider details or trust perceived enemies, he ignored the input of his own Intelligence Service and failed to consult Congress.

Though proud of his ability to make deals, his reign has been marked by failures to date.  The Ukraine War rages on, his tariffs have produced few positive results and his use of the military to quell protests has enraged American citizens.  Relying on the adoration of the MAGA faithful, he must now deal with harsh criticism from that group who despise involvement in any foreign conflicts.

Ignorant of history and inclined to ignore rules, our King governs by impulse, trusting his gut more than the facts.  His latest decision may just produce a host of tragic consequences. 

Water Returns to Eagle Bluffs

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this am, before the mid-day heat developed, a friend and I were pleased (more like ecstatic) to find a significant amount of water in the central channel and some of the pools.  Whether this was a result of recent heavy rains or a purposeful recovery, initiated by refuge managers, is uncertain but the results were surely satisfying.

Only a modest number of great egrets and great blue herons had returned to take advantage of the watery landscape but just the sight of shimmering shallows was enough for us.  Of course, there was, as always, a nice diversity of songbirds (about 20 species encountered this morning) and an escape to uncrowded, natural terrain never disappoints.

We certainly hope that the recovery will continue but, if this change was weather-induced, it may soon fade in the wake of the intense heat wave this weekend.  Time will tell and my reports will continue. 

Through the Heat Dome

A broad atmospheric ridge extends across most of the Central U.S., allowing hot air to stream northward.  In addition, within this high pressure dome, the air is sinking, further enhancing its heat.  On the positive side, thunderstorms cannot develop within the dome and travelers on the Great Plains need not fear the severe weather that recently pummeled the region.

Leaving Denver this morning, the temperature was in the mid 70s F; by the time we were thirty miles east of the city, it was 90 degrees F.  The temperature gradually rose as we headed east, buffeted by strong, southwesterly winds.  We finally hit 100 degrees F in Quinter, Kansas, and will spend the night in Hays.

As we continue eastward tomorrow, the heat dome will expand in concert.  By the time we reach Missouri, it will stretch from the Rockies to the Midwest and will encompass the Eastern States by later in the weekend.  This first, major heat wave of the summer is but a taste of a very warm future throughout our country and across the globe.  Happy Summer Solstice tomorrow!  

Cool Relief

After almost a week of intense sunshine and highs near 90 degrees F, a cold front has dropped south along the Front Range, bringing cool, moist air to the urban corridor; along the southeast edge of the front, thunderstorms, some severe, will lash the High Plains.

As is usually the case, such cool incursions in summer are appreciated by wildlife as well and they are noticeably more active.  This morning, a friend and I engaged is some passive birding on the farm, serenaded by robins, house finches and spotted towhees.  Eighteen species were observed, including a fair number of American and lesser goldfinches.

Unfortunately, our cool respite will be brief.  Though we expect rain this afternoon, the heat will return by this weekend, with high temperatures near 100 degrees F. 

Stoking Violence

Of the many public servants who have been killed, attacked or threatened over the past decade, almost all have been Democrats.  There is a clear reason for this imbalance.

Donald Trump, feeling aggrieved and disrespected, has repeatedly criticized his political opponents and has suggested to his MAGA base that his enemies need to be "removed from office."  Combined with his violent rhetoric on other matters, this encourages zealous or unstable believers to act on his behalf.  The recent murders of a Minnesota Senator and her husband were especially egregious but the hints of fostering violent confrontations continue.  The Speaker of the House recently suggested that a California Senator should be tarred and feathered for trying to ask questions at a news conference.  Trump himself has indicated that he might consider pardoning those who attempted to kidnap Governor Whitmer of Michigan.

Meanwhile, Republican Senators and Congresspersons offer little, if any, vocal resistance; they only speak up to condemn acts of violence when they occur.  Unfortunately, I believe Trump's downfall will come only after his rhetoric is directly linked to the killing of a judge or prominent political figure.  That individual's death will be on those who have long condoned Trump's behavior.