An Atmospheric Firehose

A low pressure center off the coast of British Columbia, combined with a high pressure dome to the south, are directing a firehose of tropical Pacific moisture toward the Pacific Northwest.  Often referred to as a Pineapple Express, this atmospheric river is expected to produce torrential rain across the lowlands and heavy snow in the mountains over the coming days.

Since the air is relatively warm, it will transport more moisture and the snowline will be high for this time of year.  As a result, extensive flooding is expected across western portions of Washington and Oregon, a region that has already endured destructive floods in recent years.

While this weather phenomenon has occurred throughout recorded history, it will surely become more potent and destructive as our climate warms.  Cities on coastal plains, backed by mountain ranges, are especially vulnerable.  

Spring Flyover

Bright sunshine and the first afternoon above freezing in almost a week enticed me outside today,  Snow still covers most of the farm but the intense sun has cleared the driveway; indeed, a quartet of Canada geese waddled up the drive to join me, stopping along the way to inspect open patches of grass and to scour the feeding area.

Most of our other winter residents also provided company, including a Townsend's solitaire and a trio of lesser goldfinches.  The hysterical calls of northern flickers echoed through the neighborhood and hormone-fueled fox squirrels chased one another through the treetops.

But the most welcome sighting was of a black-billed magpie, flying above our property with a small branch in his beak.  Among the earliest birds to nest, these conspicuous corvids construct a bulky nest of sticks, up to three feet in diameter.  Of interest, the male is primarily responsible for gathering sticks while the female concentrates on the interior decorating, using mud and soft vegetation for the central cup (duties that may resonate with human couples).

Culture, War & Conservation

I don't get it.  A country renowned for its human culture (composers, artists, novelists) and rich in natural resources is threatening the independence of its neighbor.  A determined autocrat and his obedient military are behind the invasion.

Is this not the 21st Century?  Have we not learned that war is both destructive and futile?  Where are those who could stop this insanity?

At a time when climate change is threatening the welfare of all life on Earth, what is the rationale for attacking another country?  Does Putin not have grandchildren?  International cooperation is the only way to save our planet.  War ensures only death.

Frigid Sunshine

Hazy sunshine bathes the Front Range urban corridor this afternoon; despite the potent Colorado sun and the relatively high sun angle of late February, the surface air temperature is 8 degrees F.  Significant warming must await an atmospheric change, the eastward movement of a deep atmospheric trough.

The trough, a dip in the jet stream, currently extends as far south as Northern Texas and its western edge has backed up along the Continental Divide.  A thick layer of dense, Arctic air is thus emplaced along the Front Range and won't likely dislodge for at least two or three days.  So far, snowfall has been minimal but some additional snow is expected.

Even those of us who enjoy winter are not generally fond of such frigid conditions.  On the other hand, these extremes make us appreciate our wild neighbors even more, respecting their hardiness and admiring their ability to survive the season's many challenges. 

Zero Hour, Twelve PM

Though we have enjoyed several warm, sunny days in Littleton, we knew that an Arctic cold front was due to arrive today.  Before taking a walk through the neighborhood, I thus checked the online weather maps; at 11 AM, it was 48 degrees F here in Littleton but only 11 degrees in Cheyenne, Wyoming, just over 100 miles to our north.

My wife and I thus set out for a brief walk, a mild south wind in our face.  Forty-five minutes later, as we approached our farm, a gusty, northeast wind raked the trees; the front had arrived at 12 noon.  Of course, the temperature will fall rapidly through the day and snow is expected by this evening; for the next few days, we will be in the deep freeze and any thoughts of spring will be put on hold.

Overnight lows are expected to be near zero and the total snowfall may be significant.  But we're stocked up and ready to ride out the storm, much like Major Tom in his space capsule (but hopefully with a better outcome)!

Dogs at Dinner

Granted another warm, sunny afternoon (before the next Arctic front arrives), my wife and I had lunch at an outdoor cafe in downtown Littleton.  We were joined by a good number of fellow patrons, at least half of whom brought their dog (or dogs).

Settling in at their table, they seemed to spend most of their time keeping their pooches under control, distracted as they were by other dogs and the varied smells coming from the kitchen; indeed, we humans can only begin to imagine how keen and tempting their olfactory input must be.

As a dog lover and former owner (times four), I cannot appreciate the relatively new practice of taking your "best friend" everywhere, especially into settings where food is being served.  It certainly does not improve the cleanliness of the restaurant, may annoy other patrons and can hardly augment the tranquility of the owner's meal.  Then again, the diner and his/her canine receive plenty of attention, especially from those who brought their own dog(s).  

Elm Bud Feast

We have six large Siberian elms on our Littleton, Colorado, farm.  By mid February, their buds begin to swell, attracting a variety of finches.

On this spring-like afternoon, house finches and a quartet of lesser goldfinches were feeding on the buds.  American goldfinches also turn up on a regular basis and pine siskins stop by on occasion.  I have yet to observe evening grosbeaks on the farm but my vigil continues.

Snow and Arctic air are expected to arrive by tomorrow evening but the terminal stems and their buds should remain accessible to the finches, especially if high winds clear the canopies.  Under those trying conditions, the nutritious buds will be a welcome source of calories for the hardy songbirds. 

Flicker Faith

On this mild, sunny morning in Littleton, a northern flicker is drumming on one of our metal vents.  One of the early signs of spring, often combined with a hysterical call, this annual ritual is welcomed by humans, even if another Arctic blast is expected later in the week.

Of course, the flicker has no knowledge of the weather forecast and is reacting purely to the lengthening days.  He is not aware of the crisis in Ukraine, the jittery stock market or the effects of inflation.  Though a Cooper's hawk may end his life tomorrow, the flicker is but vaguely aware of the threat.  He responds only to hormones and external stimuli and his "faith" is purely instinctual.

Some humans might envy such a life, free of worry, dread and regret.  The richness of our lives, the consequence of our large brain, does come with a price.  Ironically, our brain power, fueling imagination, may also delude us, a complication to which the flicker is immune. 

Mercury Days

Mercury, the closest planet to our sun, gets much less attention than some of our other celestial neighbors. Less than half the size of Earth and less than half the distance from the sun, Mercury is only observed near sunrise or sunset and is not nearly as bright as Venus or Jupiter.

Fortunately, Mercury is visible near the eastern horizon, just before sunrise, for the next couple of weeks; bright Venus and red Mars are just off to its south.  Those willing to rise before the sun are thus treated to a planetary trifecta!

Hot, rocky Mercury has a surface temperature above 350 degrees F and the sun's disc appears twice as large (compared to our view from Earth) due to its close-in orbit.  Gazing at its distant glow on a cold, winter morning, one may be warmed by these facts.

Snow Moon

After several days of spring-like weather, the Snow Moon (the full moon of February) set behind the Rockies this morning.  Before it rises again, we are expected to receive our next snowstorm here in Metro Denver.

Named for the fact that February tends to be a snowy month across much of the Northern Hemisphere, the Snow Moon is especially prescient along the Front Range since it signals the onset of the snowiest period of the year, lasting from February through April.  Fortunately, these upslope storms are interspersed with days (if not weeks) of mild, sunny weather, clearing away the drifts before the next storm arrives.

Indeed, the Snow Moon is a welcome omen here, promising that our semi-arid landscape (and our water supply) will receive the precipitation so vital to this environment.  Even when it crushes the flower beds, spring snow is celebrated in Colorado.  

Generational Gratitude

Looking back at my life, I have much to be grateful for.  Leading that list is the fact that I am a member of the "Baby Boom" Generation.

As a result, my formative years (high school and college) occurred during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a period characterized by anti-war protests, civil rights demonstrations and a global awakening regarding our expanding environmental crises (the first Earth Day was in 1970).  All of these social movements had a profound impact on my personal views of human nature, social justice and the interdependence of all life on Planet Earth.

Indeed, most of my life choices have been guided by these ingrained philosophical convictions, causing me to reject mysticism, racism, excessive consumption, militarism and careless human "development."  While I have tried to instill this naturalist philosophy in my children and grandchildren, I realize that they have not benefited from the profound, formative experiences of my own generation.

The American Holiday

Second only to Christmas and, for many, far more important, Super Bowl Sunday epitomizes the nature of American culture, bringing together sports, celebrities, parties, commercialism and, for the wealthy and connected, outrageous expenses.

It is the Roman Coliseum on steroids, where the combatants risk serious injury while the attendees and the general public gorge themselves on food and drink.  Of course, the players are well paid for their effort but they are, in the end, pawns in a much more lucrative business.

After all, this is the American way; the rich run the show and waste most of their money on extravagance while the vast majority of citizens struggle to make ends meet.  Then again, both groups will enthusiastically tune into the big event; it's almost un-American not to!

A Reprieve for Wolves

Reversing the Trump Administration's decision to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species List, a Federal Judge has reinstated their protection.  Great news, for now.

Like so many other issues related to conservation, these regal predators have been politicized.  Those who understand the concept of healthy natural ecosystems and their vital role in maintaining the welfare of our planet, cheer the decision and favor additional reintroduction programs where warranted.  By contrast, ranchers and hunters, focused more on their personal rights and interests, oppose the protection.

Once again, it is science vs. economics and the proponents are closely aligned with their respective political parties.  The fact that we cannot agree on something as fundamental as the health of our environment is disturbing; if persistent, it will lead to our demise. 

The Vital Nature of Trust

Many positive human traits are important for society to function properly; kindness, generosity and fairness come to mind.  But, in my opinion, trust may be the most vital of all.

In recent years, we have experienced the many complications wrought by an untrustworthy President and now face a large contingent within Congress who cannot be trusted to tell the truth (let alone address important problems).  In the private sector, we trust professionals to protect our health and legal rights and now must increasingly trust corporations to address climate change and other environmental threats.

Of course, human partnerships and friendships rely on trust and ultimately fail if that trust is lost.  The welfare of children is directly tied to loving and trustworthy parents and family dynamics are enhanced by a trusting atmosphere.  Finally, we cannot trust others unless we learn to trust ourselves; as we mature, we make choices and develop convictions in response to this internal compass, governing the course of our life.  

A Spectacle of Shovelers

Early this afternoon, my wife and I took a brief walk at South Platte Park.  While most of the lakes and pools remain frozen over, the river is open and Redtail Lake, which connects with that stream, was only half ice-covered.  Northern shovelers have long favored the lake during the winter months and, under the current circumstances, their congregation was spectacular today.

Joined by a few dozen buffleheads, there were at least 550 shovelers on Redtail Lake (a bit high for eBird's algorithm).  More than half were resting along the edge of the ice while other flocks were spinning in the shallows, stirring up food from the lake bottom.

After breeding throughout the pothole landscapes of northwestern North America, northern shovelers winter across the southern and western U.S.  While a large number usually winter along the Colorado Front Range, today's gathering was truly a spectacle, attracting birders and walkers alike. 

First Wave of Spring

Though it was sunny and mild in central Kansas this afternoon, the landscape had the dry, brown look of winter.  Spring was but a dream; then I saw them.

Heading west on Interstate 70, just west of Russell, I encountered several large flocks of greater white-fronted geese, wavering northward in the deep blue sky.  Having wintered along the lower Mississippi Valley or on the western Gulf Coast, they were on their way to their breeding grounds, the Arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska.  Of course, they stop to rest and feed along the way, generally setting down in crop stubble where they feast on waste grain.

Like the blooming of crocuses and the lengthening daylight, migrating geese reassure us that nature's season of rebirth is proceeding on schedule.  We humans know that there is plenty of winter ahead but the hardy geese do not consult the calendar.  Neither are they prone to impatience.

Raptors in the Chill

On this cold, sunny morning, the pools and channels of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area were mostly frozen over and deep snow coated the fields.  As a result, waterfowl viewing was limited, consisting primarily of Canada geese, mallards, gadwall and green-winged teal.  On the other hand, raptors were both common and conspicuous.

An immature bald eagle dove through flocks of red-winged blackbirds, hoping to snare a modest lunch.  Two red-tailed hawks soared above the floodplain and six northern harriers, three males and three females,  flapped low above the snow-laden crop stubble.  A merlin hunted from a dead snag and an American kestrel took aim at sparrows foraging on a graveled road.

Afternoon warmth is finally taking its toll on the snowy landscape and, within another week or two, flocks of snow geese and greater white-fronted geese will descend on the refuge.  Unfortunately, I will be back in Colorado but hope to return in March to catch the peak of the spring waterfowl migration in the Missouri River Valley.

The Poisoning of America

There has always been an undercurrent of racism, antisemitism and anti-government sentiment in America.  But Donald Trump and his devoted followers have brought them to the surface and encouraged their expression.

Signaling that violence in defense of his authority is acceptable, Trump has poisoned a large segment of our society.  Fearing his wrath (and the votes of his supporters), the Republican Party has all but shut down, content to merely oppose every Democratic nomination or proposal.  Criticizing Putin (as is appropriate) while defending their own autocrat, this new breed of Republicans is threatening our Democracy.

Our primary means of addressing this scourge is, of course, the ballot box, where the 60% of sane Americans must keep Trump and his enablers out of office.  It is also my hope that American Corporations, always responsive to the majority, will exert pressure via political funding, commercial messaging and decisions related to the location of conferences, headquarters and new plants.  Finally, the Justice Department must come through; in defense of human rights and our Constitution, no one, including past Presidents, should be exempt from prosecution. 

Snow Bowl

A swath of heavy snow, from the Colorado Front Range to the Great Lakes region, is not the result of a potent winter storm.  Rather, this bowl-shaped band of snow, that dips across Texas and up through the Midwest, is due to a dome of Arctic high pressure that is sinking southward through the Heartland.

As the cold air is forced upward along the Front Range or encounters warm, moist air in the Southern Plains and Midwest, heavy snow is produced.  Along the east rim of this bowl, a band of ice (sleet or freezing rain) precedes the snow.

Here in central Missouri, we received about 8 inches of snow.  As the high pressure dome gradually drifts eastward, the bowl's southern edge will pass through our region, bringing flurries and possible further bouts of snow overnight.

Wild Haven Nature Area

Owned and managed by the Columbia Audubon Society, Wild Haven Nature Area stretches along the upper reaches of Hinkson Creek in northeast Boone County.  Remote and "undeveloped," it is not a destination for those seeking manicured trails and rustic bridges.

On the other hand, it is ideal for those seeking solitude and a peaceful walk through the winter woods.  Today we encountered only wildlife, consisting primarily of common forest songbirds; a red-shouldered hawk and a sizable flock of rusty blackbirds were the highlights.

Remoteness, a lack of "comfort facilities" and uneven trails are all gifts for the naturalist.  The natural residents thrive in the undisturbed wildness while our fellow humans head elsewhere, preferring park-like settings and graveled (if not paved) trails.