Denver in Stage 1 Drought

Following a nearly snowless winter in Metro Denver and the lowest mountain snowpack in decades, Denver Water has declared a Stage 1 drought, encouraging residents not to start watering their lawns until mid May (at the earliest) and limiting that activity to two days per week.  Time will tell if those restrictions need to be increased.

Anyone who understands the ramifications of global warming and has witnessed the ongoing sprawl along the Colorado Front Range is not surprised that this water emergency has developed.  Though it might be a temporary drought with recovery through the spring, it is a clear warning sign that climate change will likely produce significant water shortages across the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of the American West.

Fortunately, rain and snow are forecast to arrive in the coming week but the long term risk of drought is significant.  One hopes that reduced "development" will be employed to meet the challenges of our warming climate. 

Seasonal Progress at Eagle Bluffs

On this sunny, warm morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, water levels had fallen but the absolute number of waterfowl had increased, especially for blue-winged teal.  Northern shovelers and American coot remained abundant while the number of gadwall had increased significantly.  Fourteen pied-billed grebes were observed and, to my relief, great blue herons seem to be returning to the refuge.

On the other hand, raptors were limited to turkey vultures, a red-tailed hawk and a lone northern harrier.  In addition, other avian residents remain rather sparse with the exception of northern flickers, crows and red-winged blackbirds.

Most rewarding were the sightings of a double-crested cormorant and a flock of American golden plovers, the first I have encountered this spring.  No doubt, the pace of new visitors and summer residents will pick up significantly in April and our long avian drought at Eagle Bluffs will finally come to an end.

 

Don Quixote Trump

Donald Trump, while not nearly as noble as his literary counterpart and backed by an entire political party rather than just Sancho Panza, is tilting at windmills again.  Offering to pay 1 billion of our tax dollars to cancel a wind farm off New England, Our Dear Leader has repeatedly demonstrated his disdain for green energy, especially wind power.

Preferring to bring back the coal industry and dedicated to maximizing our use of fossil fuels, he has withdrawn federal funding that was in place to encourage the production of electric vehicles and to facilitate solar, wind and geothermal projects.  Of course, he can count on his Cabinet and most Republican members of Congress for their active or passive support.

But as with Don Quixote, Trump's enemies are imaginary.  He has no knowledge of or interest in climatology and he only hires those who share his non-scientific, pro-oil view.  Having threatened the global oil supply with his ill-advised war in Iran, his Dulcinea may remain out of reach.   

Fish Crows in Columbia

Commonly observed along the Missouri River, especially during the warmer months, a small flock of fish crows flew over our yard in Columbia late this afternoon.  They were the first I have ever observed within the city limits.

Most abundant along coastal areas of the Southeastern U.S., fish crows have been expanding their range over the past decade or so, spreading inland along the major rivers.  There they forage across floodplains and nearby farmlands but seldom stray far from the streams, their marshes and their riparian woodlands.

Distinguished from American crows by their smaller size and distinctive "uh-uh" calls, it was their voice that caught my attention this afternoon.  Since we have owned a condo on Longboat Key, Florida, for many years, I associate their calls with that coastal location; apparently, we now own two properties within their range.  

More Lesser Scaup

Over the past 20 years, I have frequently encountered lesser scaup at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area during the spring and fall migrations.  However, they have generally appeared in rather small numbers, from single individuals or pairs to small flocks.

But this past weekend, I observed a flock of 40 lesser scaup, cruising on the deeper channel where they intermittently dove for aquatic vegetation or invertebrates.  Having wintered across the southern States and Mexico, they will head for Western Canada or the Intermountain West to summer and breed.

Often seen in large flocks during winter, mingling with other diving ducks, lesser scaup prefer larger lakes and reservoirs during migrations, choices not available at Eagle Bluffs where rather shallow pools dot the Missouri River floodplain.  Indeed, surface-feeding ducks, such as mallards, northern shovelers, gadwall, wigeon and teal generally dominate the scene. 

Flashback Posts LXXIV & LXXV

As March Madness unfolds and the brackets fill in, I am always reminded of two posts that seem especially relevant during the NCAA Basketball Tournament.  Though I have used them as Flashback Posts in the past, I have not placed their messages side by side.....until now.

See:  Advantage Underdogs and Rooting for Champions

The Kona Low

Severe flooding across Oahu, Hawaii, is the product of an unusually potent and persistent Kona Low.  The latter is a center of low pressure that typically develops northwest of the Hawaiian Islands during the winter months, sweeping tropical moisture across that archipelago from the southwest.

Held in place by an atmospheric trough (a dip in the jet stream), this "cutoff low"generally persists for a few weeks, producing a typical rainy season.  This year, the Kona Low developed relatively late in the winter but its strength and persistence has led to the torrential precipitation and record flooding.

Of interest, this atmospheric trough over the Pacific is tied to the persistent atmospheric ridge over the Desert Southwest, which has fueled the severe heat that is currently spreading eastward across the U.S.  Climatologists believe that both extremes demonstrate the effects of our warming climate.

A Dome of Summer Heat

Having produced record high temperatures across the Desert Southwest over the past few days, a ridge of high pressure is expanding eastward and will set records across much of the U.S.  Within this dome, air is sinking, heating up and drying out.

Unlike our usual summer heat waves, during which high humidities moderate the temperature and keep nocturnal lows relatively warm, this dry, desert heat will cause unusually high afternoon temperatures while permitting overnight lows to fall into the 40s and 50s F.

Here in Missouri, we will experience afternoon highs in the 80s F for the next few days with overnight lows in the low 50s.  Spring is just beginning and this taste of summer will fade quickly; on the other hand, this atmospheric dome may portend warmer springs as climate change progresses. 

Course Correction

Back in November of 2006, when I began writing blog posts, their subject matter was primarily focused on natural ecosystems, wildlife and conservation.  Before long, I drifted toward discussions regarding threats to our natural environment, including unbridled development, pollution and mysticism.

Early on, I could not have imagined that our own political system, led by an anti-science narcissist, would become the primary threat to the health of our society and the welfare of our planet's natural ecosystems.  Surely, in America, educated members of both political parties would not let this happen; after all, they have children and grandchildren who will suffer the consequences of such short-sighted policies.

Of course, my hopeful view of the future, based on the projected advance of science, has been derailed by the Trump Administration and by the Republican Party in general.  Now, twenty years later, a large percentage of the posts are focused on political threats to our freedom, our health and our commitment to conservation.  It is not enough to report on the wonders of nature when the welfare of or planet is under relentless attack. 

Freedom of the Press

Since the Republicans in Congress are unwilling to reign in the anti-democratic policies and actions of the Trump Administration, it has been up to the Judiciary and the Press to protect the rights of Americans.  Now, defying our Constitution, Brendan Carr, the FCC Chairman, has threatened to revoke the license of news organizations that report negative information about the Iran War.

Of course, those in the Trump Administration are focused solely on pleasing Our Dear Leader.  Their mission is to support and praise the opinions and actions of the King and, in their minds, truth is what Trump says it is.  Those who speak out against his deranged and dangerous decrees are thus considered to be enemies of the State.

Freedom of the Press is an essential element of our Democracy.  Efforts to control the news that we receive is just the latest and, in my opinion, the most disturbing step toward authoritarian rule.  

Dismantling Science

Among their many efforts to dismantle science, the Trump Administration now plans to shut down the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.  Their reason, according to the Budget Director, is that the Center is the leading force behind "climate change hysteria" in America.

Of course, it is also in a Blue State with a Democratic Governor who King Trump does not like.  Having dramatically reduced funding for medical research and a wide variety of environmental programs, the Administration has set its sights on all forms of science though I suspect military technology will be spared.

As several early spring storm systems have brought tornadic thunderstorms as far north as the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Region, formerly unheard of in early March, one would think that climate change deserves a great deal of monitoring and research.  Indeed, the latest storm is bearing down on the Mid-Atlantic Coast this morning and Washington DC lies within the high risk zone for tornadoes.  Perhaps a direct hit on the ballroom might change Our Dear Leader's point of view. 

Escaping the Interstates

Over the last 29 years, since moving to Columbia, Missouri, we have made hundreds of trips to St. Louis and beyond.  During that time, Warrenton, Missouri, was, from my perspective, nothing more than a congested exit along Interstate 70, its immediate roads lined with service stations, fast food joints and strip malls.

Then, yesterday, as we drove to Klondike Park in Augusta, we took the Warrenton Exit and headed south on Route 47.  Within a few blocks, the congestion disappeared and the makings of a pleasant, small town unfolded.  Another couple of miles took us across scenic, rolling farmlands and, ten miles later, we began to descend through the Missouri River Hills, quilted with cattle ranches, vineyards and wineries.  My image of Warrenton had changed dramatically.

Too often, we assess cities and towns from our efficient network of Interstates, judging them as we zip by at 70 mph.  Though these efficient highways often cross scenic landscapes as well, they do little justice to the appeal of human settlements and their associated natural environments.  In my opinion, we should escape our Interstates whenever possible.

See also: Detour to Blue Highways 

Klondike Park

A relatively small but fascinating park in Augusta, Missouri, Klondike Park is centered on an abandoned silica sand quarry.  Paved, gravel and earthen trails lead throughout the preserve, offering views of the quarry lake (bordered by white sand beaches and cliffs of silica), leading to rustic campsites, circling a wetland, crossing a forested hillside and climbing to bluffs that offer a sweeping view of the Missouri River Valley.

While the quarry site is especially unique, we encountered a pleasing mix of wildlife as well.  Chorus frogs called from the wetland shallows, eastern phoebes, just back from the south, sang their namesake tune from trees near the lake, turkey vultures sailed along the bluffs and a lone bald eagle soared overhead.

Though we chose not to climb a steep path onto the bluffs, we enjoyed our visit on this mild, sunny morning and encourage others to experience the beautiful geology.  Also of interest is the Park's Creative Arts Center; call ahead regarding its programs and hours of operation which vary through the seasons.  

The Grounding Movement

Down to Earth, a documentary that is currently available on Amazon Prime, summarizes the rise of the Grounding Movement, a theory that many, if not most, human maladies result from our having disconnected from the electro-chemical balance of Planet Earth.  Specifically, our electrical connection with the planet is disrupted by our use of shoes, work gloves, beds and artificial housing, among other modern conveniences of life and, as a result, we are no longer "electrically grounded."

Per this theory, the flow of electrons from the soil into our bodies is important in reducing inflammation, a destructive component of most forms of human disease.  The negatively-charged electrons neutralize free radicals that spawn inflammation and tissue destruction.  Reference is made to the use of soil contact by early human cultures to treat illness and to many personal testimonials from present day society.  A number of controlled medical studies are also cited.

Having trained for and practiced modern medical science, I am naturally skeptical of such simplistic theories.  In addition, I must point out that wild creatures and domestic livestock develop a wide range of diseases despite their constant contact with natural environments.  Nevertheless, I am well aware that we do not fully understand the many mysteries of our Universe and found the presentation to be fascinating.  An open mind is rarely misleading in medicine and a daily, barefoot walk in the grass is certainly more appealing than the regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs.  My thanks to my sister for calling my attention to this thought-provoking documentary. 

Roll Me Away

On my recent drive back from Colorado, I was listening to a stack of old CD mixes that I keep in my pickup.  Not remembering what tunes some of them contain, I was pleased and a bit emotional when Roll Me Away, by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, suddenly rose from the aging speakers.  Released in 1982, when we lived in Denver full time, it always stirs my feelings for the American West.

Indeed, the song is about choice, desire and the need for change, speaking to the lure of open spaces for many of us who grew up in the industrial Midwest.  Of course, reference to the freedom of a young hawk helps to solidify the power of the story.

A music person, I always associate songs with certain periods in my life and Roll Me Away evokes a time when family responsibilities were in a tug of war with personal preferences.  Most of us manage to compromise throughout the course of our lives but the flame of truth is never fully extinguished. 

In the Clash Zone

This morning, a potent cold front stretches from South Texas to Lake Michigan, bowing slightly to. the west.  The central low of the storm system currently swirls near Omaha, Nebraska.

Ahead of the front, warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico is streaming northward.  Here in central Missouri, we expect an afternoon high in the mid 80s F before colder, drier air pushes in from the northwest.  Strong thunderstorms with possible tornadoes and large hail will develop by late evening and continue into the morning hours; at least an inch of rain is expected.

This classic spring scenario, the product of an undulating jet stream, brings welcome moisture but a significant risk of flash flooding and destructive winds throughout the clash zone.  For many winter weary humans, it is the temperature drop of 30-40 degrees behind the front that is least welcome.  

Like the Good Old Refuge

When a friend and I arrived at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this morning, we were reminded of the fabulous wetland refuge that we knew before the recent man-induced drought.  Open water was extensive and hundreds of ducks fed in the shallows or dove in the deeper pools.

Northern shovelers dominated the waterfowl though most expected species were observed; the first blue-winged teal of the season were among them.  A pair of bald eagles were at their nest and American coot nodded their way across the central channel.  On the other hand, we did not encounter any great blue herons or hawks and few songbirds were seen.

Nevertheless, it was a pleasant and reassuring visit.  Migrant geese and American white pelicans have been reported at the refuge over the past weeks and the spring migration season is just beginning to unfold.  We'll be back on a regular basis to witness the annual spectacle and to immerse ourselves in this restored wetland ecosystem, 

Alaska Drilling Declined

As the Trump Administration demonstrates its disdain for science, specifically related to conservation and climate change, oil leases have been offered in ecologic-sensitive regions of Alaska, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Fortunately, to date, American oil companies have declined to bid for those opportunities.  This past week's sale, involving Cook's Inlet, did not elicit a single bid.

Citing the expense of drilling in those areas and an adequate supply of oil from other sources, these energy companies likely also sense the financial and political consequences of ignoring ecological responsibilities that will outlast the current Administration.

Indeed, as Trump and his cronies attempt to roll back decades of environmental progress, private companies understand that political disruptions are relatively brief and, thankfully, remain focused on long-term sustainability.  We must acknowledge the vital role that they play in our stewardship of the planet.  After all, they have grandchildren too. 

A Heart of Darkness

Heading east across the High Plains yesterday, my pickup was buffeted by strong, south winds from Goodland, Kansas, to Hays.  Since the air was warm and dry, no clouds raced across the deep, blue sky and I could not readily explain the cause of the intense wind.

This morning, as I continued eastward, those potent winds were still blowing and strands of clouds appeared overhead, all pointing toward the northeast.  These strands thickened and darkened as I entered more eastern regions of the Great Plains, indicating that Gulf of Mexico moisture was being drawn northward by the wind.

Then, as the highway climbed atop the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, broad views unfolded to the north revealing dark skies that stretched across the horizon, topped by towering cumulonimbus clouds.  This was the heart of the pinwheel-like storm, beneath which heavy rain and probable hail were pelting the ground.  Quite a spectacle from a safe distance. 

Moisture Arrives

It is a cool, damp, gray day along the Front Range with snow in the mountains and scattered showers across the urban corridor.......just what we need after a warm, sunny winter.  Of course, a foot or two of snow would be even more welcome but we'll take whatever moisture we can get.

This isolated atmospheric disturbance is currently centered over the Colorado-Wyoming border, where some thunderstorms have developed.  Unfortunately, the respite won't last long and sunny, warm weather is forecast for the next couple of days.

March is the snowiest month in Metro Denver and we can only hope that this year's snowfall is at least average.  Then again, entrenched weather patterns often take a while to break down, leading to droughts or floods.  This is, after all, a semi-arid ecosystem even though the sprawling development suggests otherwise. 

The Death of Innocents

As the debate rages on regarding Trump's decision to attack Iran, the focus is on the rationale for war, the potential outcome of the conflict, the widening impact of the war, the effects of the conflict on the American and world economies and the unfortunate deaths of several members of the American military.  There is little or no mention of the deaths of innocent civilians in Iran and in other countries throughout the region.

Yet, a significant number of these deaths have occurred and will surely increase dramatically as the war continues.  Of course, as we saw in Gaza, many of the victims are children.  The swift, "clean" attack in Venezuela, in which no American military members were lost, killed at least 200 non-combatants.  The indiscriminate attacks of Russian drones on Ukraine have killed a large number of civilians, many of them children.

While politicians and military leaders direct our attention to the logistics and successes of the conflict, we eventually come to appreciate the tragic death of innocents that always results.  Unfortunately, their welfare is too often ignored during the rush to war.