In The News?

I've read a few articles recently that I thought you might enjoy, but first... an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW!...and now back to the news!

OWL VS OWL:

Remember all the fuss back in the 80's with the SPOTTED OWLS in the timber country of the great Northwest? Well, as it turns out, the loggers were only one concern for continued existence of this species. An owl you might know well, the BARRED OWL, has been invading the SPOTTED OWL'S habitat.The result has been an even more dramatic decrease of the SPOTTED OWL population. You may learn more within the pages of the latest SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE.

OWL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE.

It's an eye-opener (always) to learn how much we affect every living thing around us, regardless of our intentions. Perhaps 'impact' would be a better word choice?While we are on the subject, AUDUBON MAGAZINE has a great article that you might enjoy reading too. It takes the discussion in a different direction with a story written more about the forestry issue. Interesting that there is only one small mention of the Barred Owl's affect on this dire situation.

WE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, BUT SHOULD WE?:

After you are done enjoying those two articles, turn a few more pages in your Smithsonian Magazine to dig into this tragedy about mountain top removal. You may recall that I blogged about how big industry used and then abandoned the people of Borneo. Do you think the citizens of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee realize that they too might soon be left with only decimated, polluted lands and precious few options to earn a living once big coal is done? The mines will be emptied, the mountains will be gone and the streams and waterways ruined. It's hard to fathom the size of this tragedy, so I sincerely hope this new administration will enact change. The US should seriously explore every possible energy option... and soon.

HOBET MOUNTAIN DESTRUCTION COURTESY OF SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE.

What's more, the latest news that the media didn't report too well: This past December 22nd, over one billion gallons of coal ash sludge and contaminated water broke through a containment area into the rivers of Harriman, Tennessee. All that sludge is the waste product of coal-fired power plants of the Tennessee Valley Authority. I'm certain that effects of this flood will be felt in that region for years.

HONEY, I'M HUNGRY!:

My wife Emery is exploring the idea of eating healthier, growing our own food and consuming less meat. Her sister Eliza is taking it a step further and starting a 'gardening movement' in her community of Murray Hill, right here in historic Annapolis. Here is a photo of my lovely Emery and Declan walking up our street!Honey, if you're reading this, THIS recipe sounds delicious!Okay, okay... truth be told, THIS is what I'd really like for dinner.

BIRDING PARADISE WILL STILL BE PARADISE:

On a positive note, a critical area in Costa Rica has been preserved by the good folks at ABC, along with help from several other organizations.

COSTA RICA MAP COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

Back in 2007, Emery and I spent a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica. We refer to it as our 'pre-honeymoon' trip. I'd love to take her back there again soon. But if our trip is delayed, it is reassuring to know that more bird habitat has been preserved!

MY LITTLE CONTRIBUTION:

Finally, I am delighted to report that my fund raising efforts were overwhelmingly successful. This year I donated $1,111 to the AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY!

A portion of the money came from the sales of my music. The rest came from my pockets. Continued support of organizations like ABC will remain a goal of mine in the coming years.

I know that this has been one very long blog entry. You probably need a restroom break. If you need to use my bathroom, just go HERE. It's the latest on my three-year-rest-room-avian-art-project. Don't forget to wash your hands.

Best,

Dan