This week in birds - #626
A roundup of the week's news of birds and the environment:
*~*~*~*
Shall we celebrate "Gulf of Mexico Day" on March 18?
*~*~*~*
The Environmental Protection Agency has become the Environmental Destruction Agency in the new administration. Apparently that administration believes that greenhouse gases are good for our health and there will be no resistance to climate change. And birds will die as a result.
*~*~*~*
In fact, the Fracker in Chief, otherwise called the Secretary of Energy, believes that the world needs more fossil fuels, not less.
*~*~*~*
A new study indicates that microplastics may already be affecting our food supply.
*~*~*~*
Meanwhile, the fossil fuel lobby is campaigning for immunity from lawsuits.
*~*~*~*
Planting more trees is one partial solution to protecting against heat deaths.
*~*~*~*
Peregrine Falcons came close to being wiped out before DDT was banned in the United States in 1972. They've made a remarkable comeback but now they face new threats.
*~*~*~*
Cacti smuggling has become a big thing but sometimes the smugglers do get caught.
*~*~*~*
Monarch butterflies have been reported in my area but I've seen none in my yard yet.
*~*~*~*
*~*~*~*
As the current administration slashes foreign aid, including that for health care, it is having an effect around the world; e.g., tuberculosis is resurgent.
*~*~*~*
*~*~*~*
The Supreme Court refused to hear arguments by Republicans that states cannot sue oil companies over their role in global warming.
*~*~*~*
Evidence of old wildfires can be found in the bark of ancient trees.
*~*~*~*
Hawaii's endangered birds may be even further endangered by federal budget cuts.
*~*~*~*
The Galapagos Rail had not been seen on Floreana Island in the Galapagos since 1835 when it was seen by Charles Darwin. But now it has turned up again, sighted at three different locations on the island.
*~*~*~*
Sometimes moving animal species to new locations can be a good thing.
*~*~*~*
*~*~*~*
And in Washington, a Mallard Duck has been nesting at a busy intersection about a block from the White House.
*~*~*~*
Drones flying over the Canadian High Arctic have captured images of Narwhals playing with their food.
Good morning, Dorothy: The duck nesting close to the White House probably represents the pinnacle of intelligence in that area. The news out of Washington becomes more bizarre, terrifying and discouraging every day - on all fronts. How soon before judges that rule against Trump and his sycophants are fired? The attack on the freedom of the press has begun. Can you begin to imagine what the political and environmental landscape will look like a year from now? It is too dismal to contemplate, but that’s not going to stop it. In sadness, David.
ReplyDeleteWell, the federal judges would have to be impeached in order to remove them from office and, as we know, that is not an easy process, but since Republicans now control the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as much of the judiciary, I suppose it could be accomplished. I agree that thinking about what things might be like a year from now or four years from now is a depressing prospect indeed.
DeleteThe bizarre and dangerous dismantling of America continues apace as fresh idiocies occur to POTUS. Any good news is to be welcomed and celebrating Gulf of Mexico Day seems to be a grand idea.
ReplyDeleteNature in all its glory continues to be our refuge.
DeleteYeah I saw the snowy owl in the news earlier this week ... and was stumped by how its feathers were multi-colored. I don't think the scientists know either. It surely stands out and I hope it will be all right.
ReplyDelete