The Nature of Things

  A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment : Isn't he cute? He is a Black-crested Titmouse and he is the American Bird Conservancy's Bird of the Week . His range includes central and western Texas, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico. He is a cousin to the Tufted Titmouse , a resident of my yard, one that I frequently encounter, sometimes in company with Carolina Chickadees , whenever I am outside. The Black-crested often hybridizes with the Tufted when their ranges overlap. *~*~*~* Earth's temperature is soaring and that is a threat to our food supply as food crops must quickly adapt to those higher temperatures in order to photosynthesize. *~*~*~* Hurricane season started two weeks ago but so far the Gulf and the South Atlantic are quiet. *~*~*~* Monarch butterflies in the western states are beginning to reach their summer breeding grounds and so hope for their continued survival is kindled. *~*~*~* Ocean acidification passed a critical tipping poin...

Searching for a poem that described this time of year, I came across this one by a poet I'd never heard of.   I still know nothing about him/her. I wasn't able to find any useful information online. But I liked the poem and so I decided to feature it here anyway.  June holds many special memories for me, not least of which my wedding anniversary that will be coming up later this month. ( Has it really been fifty years? ) Perhaps June is a special month for you, too... June by Vinaya Joseph With skies of blue and sun-kissed air, June whispers secrets everywhere. In fields of green and blooming flowers, June paints the world with vibrant powers. Each petal dances in the breeze, A celebration of life's ease. With every dawn, a promise anew, In June's embrace, dreams come true. A time for adventure, for love, for play, As June guides us along our way. In June's light, memories are made, In laughter shared and joys displayed. A tapestry of moments, rich and bright, In Ju...

 A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment: This little cutie is the Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant , a bird of the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. It is a bird that has a very limited range and whose numbers are decreasing. In fact, it is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list. Overgrazing and uncontrolled use of fire, as well as wood cutting for timber, firewood, and charcoal are threats to its habitat. The changing climate could also affect its habitat and the availability of its food. It is the American Bird Conservancy's Bird of the Week . *~*~*~* Wildlife tunnels that allow critters to pass under busy roadways are saving the lives of those critters. Amphibians in the northeastern United States, for example, have had an 80.2 percent reduction in deaths  from automobile traffic as they migrate to their breeding grounds. *~*~*~* The Monarch butterfly is one of the most closely watched and monitored of members of the ...

John Burroughs was an American poet, essayist, and Nature writer of the 19th century. He was a friend and champion of Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson. His writing reveals a deep understanding and appreciation of Nature. "I go to Nature," he wrote, "to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." It's a sentiment with which many of us would agree.  June's Coming by John Burroughs Now have come the shining days    When field and wood are robed anew, And o'er the world a silver haze    Mingles the emerald with the blue. Summer now doth clothe the land In garments free from spot or stain— The lustrous leaves, the hills untanned, The vivid meads, the glaucous grain. The day looks new, a coin unworn, Freshly stamped in heavenly mint; The sky keeps on its look of morn; Of age and death there is no hint. How soft the landscape near and far! A shining veil the trees infold; The day remembers moon and star; A silver lining hath its gold. Again ...

  A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment : The (to me) most beautiful member of the egret family is the American Bird Conservancy's Bird of the Week . It's the well-named Snowy Egret . The Snowy is found throughout much of the United States in migration and during breeding and it is a permanent resident throughout most of South America. It is smaller than the Great Egret  and its most prominent and recognizable feature are its "golden slippers," the yellow feet at the end of black legs. We almost lost the Snowy along with the Passenger Pigeon and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker , but, just in time, it gained protection and is now increasing in numbers.   *~*~*~* The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is the cornerstone of birds' protection in the United States and has been so for more than a century, so, of course, the current administration in Washington wants to gut it. The American Bird Conservancy is calling on people to contact elected representati...

This poem seems to me to perfectly describe this time of year as we move from one season into the next. See if you agree. Late Spring Easing to Summer by Deanna Samuels Early Spring has eased into late Spring, foliage is at its richest deep greens, trees thick, full branched, boughs heavy with leaves and budding fruits. Crop fields sprouting, growing, each day getting stronger, taller. Road verge grasses high, overgrown, lush, a would-be splendid meal for grazing. Birds chirping and tweeting loudly, hidden in the dense hedge rows while frogs croak intermittently, concealed amidst damp roots and long grass. Hidden streams gurgle sluggishly, slowly moving downstream, attracting menacing mosquitoes ready to eye a warm-blooded victim. Birds are nesting, patiently rearing young while pond and lake edges become platforms of discovery for young waterfowl to swim. Small mammals suckle their new born, teaching the brood to hunt safely in the wild while ants, bees and other creepy crawlies build...