The Nature of Things

  A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment : Gray Catbirds are among my favorites of the birds that visit my yard throughout the year. Here are ten interesting facts about these lovely critters. *~*~*~* The pangolin is often referred to as the most trafficked animal in the world, traded for its scales and meat. Pangolins are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species And now they  may be protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act as well. That is currently being proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. *~*~*~* Bird conservation is an important part of the federal budget. It is essential that those federal programs continue . *~*~*~* Banks are the biggest funders of fossil fuel expansion and under the current administration which is a friend of fossil fuel they are retreating from their climate commitments . *~*~*~* This administration's Environmental Protection Agency seems determined to forego the protection pa...

The American poet Edgar Albert Guest lived from 1881 until 1959. In this poem, he describes the month of June in his experience. See if it sounds like the Junes you have known.   June by Edgar Albert Guest June is here, the month of roses, month of brides and month of bees, Weaving garlands for our lassies, whispering love songs in the trees, Painting scenes of gorgeous splendor, canvases no man could brush, Changing scenes from early morning till the sunset's crimson flush. June is here, the month of blossoms, month of roses white and red, Wet with dew and perfume-laden, nodding wheresoe'er we tread; Come the bees to gather honey, all the lazy afternoon; Flowers and lassies, men and meadows, love alike the month of June. Month of love and month of sunshine, month of happiness and song, Month that cheers the sad wayfarer as he plods the road along; Spreading out a velvet carpet, green and yellow, for his feet, And affording for his rest hours many a cool and sweet retreat.

  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 ...