Holiday Chocolate Mint Bark

When the holidays get busy, it's nice to be able to make a quick treat to serve to drop-in guests. This fool-proof candy is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite chocolate or topping. I used semi-sweet chocolate chunks and then a high quality dark chocolate candy bar. If mint isn't your thing, you could replace the peppermint extract with vanilla and top with nuts instead.

Ingredients:
12 ounces dark chocolate
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candy

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Melt chocolate in a double boiler, simmering over boiling water and stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. Remove from heat and beat in peppermint extract. Immediately spread thin onto parchment paper and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or other mint chips. Place in freezer 5 - 10 minutes until set. Break into pieces and store in an air-tight container.

Winter Solstice Wednesday Morning

There is so much to look forward to and celebrate in December. In addition to the special religious holidays and the farewell to the past year, one day that connects us all is the December solstice. I look forward to this day, not because it signals the official beginning to winter in the northern hemisphere, but because it marks the shortest day of the year and the gradual transition to spring, in hopefully what will seem like just a few short weeks.

Although, seasonal effective disorder is a medically established condition that can effect almost ten percent of the population in New Hampshire(1), I think that most of us can attest to being impacted by long stretches of overcast skies and winters that never seem to end - think of Stephen King's The Shining. It is the winter solstice that gives me hope because it begins the gradual transition toward longer and warmer days. Of course, for those south of the equator, the day marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. This year the December solstice arrives December 21st at 10:44 in Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). You can check the time in your city at https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/december-solstice.html.

It is the time of the sunset that I seem to notice more than the sunrise and I am happy to report that last Thursday, December 15th, the sunset was its earliest at 4:11 PM. This evening, it will already be two minutes later! However, the morning sun will continue to rise later by four minutes until January 10th at which point the sun won't be setting until 4:30 PM. This is definitely cause for celebration! The picture below was taken last December as the sun was nearing the horizon. The picture would look quite different this year as we've already received over a foot of snow. But snow or not winter will arrive this Wednesday, a factor of the earth's tilt and rotation around the sun.

I thank the Creator for the changing seasons

(1) Psychiatry (Edgemont), Jan., 2005, Katherine A. Roecklein and Kelly J. Rhoan, Seasonal Effective Disorder An Overview and Update.

Beyond Meat Expands and Tyson Foods Invests

The shift in consumer preferences away from animal based proteins due to health and environmental concerns is being responded to by marketers and has resulted in an increase of options offered at restaurants and grocery stores. In addition, it has resulted in even traditionally meat-based companies to expand their offerings. This was made apparent when it was announced this fall that Tyson Foods', one of the world's largest food companies and producer of chicken, beef and pork, had recently bought a five percent ownership in Beyond Meat, a producer of plant-based meat alternatives. When I read this report, I was curious about the Beyond Meat products and decided to check them out at our nearest Whole Foods store.

It took several employees and myself searching the store before we finally found the selections in the freezer aisle.  Apparently its location had been moved several times and used to be with the refrigerated vegetarian/vegan items. I did read though that some Whole Foods stores are displaying the Beyond Burger alongside regular beef, pork and chicken.

There were beef and chicken options. We selected the Feisty Crumble which is made from a pea protein and a variety of spices. Beyond Beef resembles real beef in looks and texture although it was dryer than regular beef  when cooked. To prepare, I simply heated it in a little oil until it was heated all the way through. I made a quesadilla with melted cheese and then added the leftovers to a salad along with lettuce, tomato, avocado, lime juice and cheese. Prepared this way, I almost couldn't tell the difference between this and beef hamburger.

With a few ingredients on hand a quick meal is easy to prepare

Beyond Beef Quesadilla

Taco Salad

When I prepare a vegetarian meal, I usually don't want it to resemble meat, but I can see why there is a market for Beyond Meat and other meat substitutes to add variety and to know that your food choices may be impacting the environment a little bit less.  

Lentil Burgers

I love finding new recipes for veggie burgers. These lentil burgers were easy to make. The jalepeno gives it a little extra kick.
Ingredients:
1 cup lentils
1/4 cup diced onion
1 clove garlic diced
1 Tablespoon oil
1/2 green pepper
1 small jalepeno seeded and chopped
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon cilantro
2 Tablespoons flour
1 Tablespoon ground flax
1/4 cup oats

Rinse and cook lentils in boiling water, until soft, about 40 minutes. Heat oil and saute onion and garlic for five minutes. Remove from heat. When lentils are done, drain and add onions and garlic. Place half the mixture in a food processor, along with the peppers, tomato paste and spices. Add the remaining lentils, then flour and oats. Pulse until blended. Scoop and form into patties on greased cookie sheet. Mixture will be moist.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Flip burgers, then bake for another 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Unintended Consequences of Transporting Firewood

With the temperatures dipping below freezing, many of us are burning wood in fireplaces or wood stoves. The following article is written by Marcia Anderson from EPA's Greening the Apple Blog. It is a good reminder to be careful when buying, transporting and burning firewood in order to prevent the spread of destructive invasive pests.


Over the past 15 years, exotic insects like the Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer  (EAB), and hemlock woolly adelgid have killed millions of trees in cities and forests across the United States. Once established in new areas, these pests can quickly kill trees in our favorite forests, parks, communities, and campgrounds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that over 30 million ash trees have already been killed by the emerald ash borer in Michigan alone, with millions dead or dying in other states (see related blog).

Split firewood in a backyard
Photo: ©L. Greenwood; The Nature Conservancy

Firewood has been shown to be an especially troublesome means by which pests are spread. According to the USDA, the best preventative measure to protect our uninfested urban and rural forests from these pests is to limit the movement of infested materials, including firewood.
Firewood is frequently moved long distances by campers and retailers. Not surprisingly, pest infestations are showing up around campgrounds and highway rest areas. In many states, all trees used as firewood are now regulated since they have the potential to harbor invasive insects and diseases.

Firewood has historically been moved with little consideration of the pests it could be harboring. However, the issue is getting increasing attention. This year, USDA and several states put out urgent pleas to avoid transporting firewood Exit.

Emerald ash borer and its damage to an ash tree
Image: National Park Service

To protect forests and trees that are threatened by a host of invasive insects and diseases, regulation has become necessary. While regulations vary by state, they generally include restrictions on importing firewood, the movement of firewood within the state, and the transportation of firewood into state, local and federal parks.

Thirty states have imposed various levels of quarantine as a result of the emerald ash borer. In the Northeast alone, most states have restrictions on the movement of wood products. Other states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland, have also imposed regulations on the movement and importation of firewood. Some regulations do not allow the transport of wood beyond a 50-mile radius of an EAB-restricted zone. A restricted zone is the quarantine of an infested area that prohibits the movement of logs and firewood outside of the zone. Check USDA’s quarantine map before you move firewood, even to another town. Because EAB does not travel far on its own, limiting human transportation of infested material will slow its spread.

Camping firewood on the move.
Photo: © L. Greenwood; The Nature Conservancy

It is recommended to use locally-sourced firewood, or firewood that has been confirmed as pest free. Firewood producers and dealers must provide documentation on the source of their firewood. Note that seasoned wood alone is not an adequate treatment method because some insects can survive in untreated firewood for many months. Only firewood that is heat treated, kiln-dried (160° F for at least 75 minutes), is allowed to be brought into parks with source documentation.
Be warned that RVs and other vehicles that have been parked for long periods of time can also harbor tree pests and their eggs. If not removed prior to a road trip, these vehicles can introduce pests into a previously uninfested area. So, take the time to check your vehicle, especially the wheel wells, and remove any insects you find. You can also wash down your camper between trips to help remove any hitchhiking pests.

What is at risk from transporting these pests? The trees in your backyard, along your streets, and in your neighborhood, along with the wildlife that depend on them. In addition, jobs in the timber and forestry industries and manufacturing sector (flooring, cabinets, pallets, and even baseball bats) are impacted. A direct consequence to taxpayers are the costs borne by cities and towns to remove the hazardous trees killed by these pests.
Preventing the spread of pests is one component of an Integrated Pest Management program. Doing your part will help sustain the health of our great forest resources and neighborhood trees.

About the Author: Marcia is with EPA’s Center of Expertise for School IPM in Dallas, Texas. She holds a PhD in Environmental Management from Montclair State University along with degrees in Biology, Environmental Design, Landscape Architecture, and Instruction and Curriculum. Marcia was formerly with the EPA Region 2 Pesticides Program and has been a professor of Earth and Environmental Studies, Geology, and Oceanography at several universities.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

Shopping and GMO Labeling

Clear Non-GMO labels

As you are doing your holiday grocery shopping, you may or may not notice labels identifying whether or not an item contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It is encouraging that in spite of the adoption of the so called "Dark Act" this past July (Public Law 114-216) more and more products are being voluntarily labeled as Non GMO or as containing genetically engineered ingredients.

The federal law preempts any state law relating to the labeling of genetically engineered food. This included Vermont's law which had just gone into effect on July 1st. Under the federal law the Secretary of Agriculture has two years to adopt "a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard." One controversial aspect of the law is that the disclosure does not have to be a text label, but can  be a symbol or an electronic link. This is why the Act is known by opponents as the Dark Act. As a consumer who wants to be able to read a label and know what is in the package before buying, a link that I would have to look up later, since I do not own a Smart phone, would be useless in making a purchasing decision.

The increasing desire of consumers to know more about where their food is coming from and the reports that have been published over the safety of GMOs and their production has resulted in many food producers labeling their products even before the adoption of any state or federal requirement. And with the passage of these laws,  more and more companies are being proactive and labeling their products now.

Non-GMO Project Label

I am not going to discuss the pros and cons of genetically engineered crops in this blog, but if you want to avoid GMOs entirely, one simple was is to buy USDA Organic labeled foods since the USDA organic standards do not allow the use of genetic engineering in organic products. However, if you are just interested in knowing that the product you are buying is not made with genetic engineering the not for profit Non-GMO Project organization offers a third party verification program and once a product is certified, it can display their label which sports an orange butterfly.  Of course the Non-GMO label is voluntary, but many food producers want to take advantage of a label in the hopes that consumers, if given a choice, will choose the Non-GMO option. Just be aware that as with the over-use of  "Gluten-Free" labels, some companies may apply the Non-GMO label to products for which there isn't even a genetically modified option, making their labeled product no different than the same product without a Non-GMO label. For example the bag above of Hodgson Mill Corn Meal labeled as Non-GMO means something since corn is one of the most largely genetically engineered crop in the United States. However, a bag of wheat flour labeled as such would be meaningless since there is currently no genetically modified wheat grown in the world.

One thing that is certain, genetically engineered food is not going away and GMO labeling is one way of providing information to the consumer on the source of their food, which is always a good thing.

Sausage, Mushroom and Rice Stuffing

This rice dish is perfect for stuffing small pumpkins or squash. It can also be served as a meal unto itself. The maple syrup makes this creamy rice dish super sweet and delicious.
  
Ingredients:
2 to 4 small sugar pumpkins
8 oz sweet sausage
1 Tablespoons olive oil
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
8 oz sliced mushrooms
2 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon thyme; 1/4 teaspoon sage
salt and pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 eggs beaten
2 Tablespoons maple syrup

Cut tops of pumpkin and scoop out seeds. Remove top and bake at 375 degrees upside down in a pan with about an inch of water for 45 minutes. Remove from oven. While pumpkin is cooking, brown sausage with onion and garlic. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Stir in rice and spices. Add beaten eggs and maple syrup and stir in cheese, saving some for topping. Stuff pumpkin with rice filling, top with cheese. Extra can be baked in a casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour until pumpkin is cooked. Serve whole or cut in half.

Sausage, mushroom and rice stuffing

A November Hike

November is here. The clocks are turned back and we can now awaken to the sun, instead of the dark - at least for a few weeks anyway. The brown oak and yellow beech leaves still cling to the trees, but most of the others have fallen. There is still some color in the woods, but the bare branches of some trees quietly announce the long months of winter ahead. It is not one of my favorite months, and if given a choice, I might decide to just curl up in a chair and read a book instead of venturing out on a damp November day. However, with a little thought and effort I realize that there are plenty of activities that can be enjoyed before the first snowflakes fly. This weekend, I am glad that my son Aaron, asked me to go on a hike. He had heard about a short hike in Weare, the town where he and his two brothers were born. Although we lived there for nine years, I was not familiar with Buxton Forest - which makes me wonder if it had not yet been made into a public preserve. The Buxton Forest/Elizabeth Simons Preserve is maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) who have created a marked trail and cleared a viewpoint atop Mount Wallingford.

The hike is either 2.5 or 3.2 miles round trip, depending on whether you believe this sign, or the SPNHF website. It is mostly flat and takes you by some nice wetlands.

These wetlands provide critical habitat for a variety of species and even on this grey November day we saw one duck and an unidentified mammal in the water.

There were plenty of leaves on the trail, but it is well marked so even with the thick layer of leaves, it was fairly easy to follow.

The hike is rated as moderate to strenuous. The reason for this becomes apparent toward the later portion of the trail, which rises steeply. Although not difficult, it does get the blood pumping. All of the effort, brings you to this fine Northeast view.

 

It was a cloudy day, so the mountains were somewhat obscured, but it was spot to relax and enjoy our lunch just the same. Shortly past this point, there is a nice stone wall. 

This time of year you won't find any wildflowers in the woods, but it you keep your eyes peeled, you can spot some interesting plants and fungi.

Shelf Fungus

Club moss (below) is an attractive plant that resembles baby evergreen trees. Interestingly the spores are rich in oil and highly flammable.¹ They have been used to make dusting powder for use in surgery, as a water repellent in baby powder and to ignite fireworks. They were also used in Indian ceremonies to produce a flash of light when tossed into a fire. The plants have also been harvested for use in holiday decorations, although this practice is now discouraged.²

Lycopodium annotinum

Afterwards, we took a different route home, traveling through Hopkinton and making a short detour to Gould Hill Orchards for some cider and another beautiful view. As much as I enjoy reading a good book, it felt much better to get some fresh air and exercise outside.

References:
¹ Central Yukon Species Project, http://www.flora.dempstercountry.org/0.Site.Folder/Species.Program/Species.php?species_id=Lyco.anno
² Virginia Native Plant Society,  http://vnps.org/princewilliamwildflowersociety/botanizing-with-marion/clubmosses-an-ancient-and-interesting-group-of-fern-allies/

Bat Week

Just in time for Halloween - Bat Week wraps up October 31st. Bat Week provides an opportunity to educate and celebrate bats and their benefits. Sixteen partners contribute to Bat Week including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bat Conservation International, USGS and Parks Canada.  

There are over 1,100 species of bats on earth, with the United States National Park Service providing habitat for fifty species. But, populations are threatened, with the fungal disease White-nose Syndrome (WNS) and other threats such as loss of habitat and fatalities from wind turbines.

Why be care about bats?

• Bats help control pests - including those that transmit disease and those that can destroy agricultural crops. A single little brown bat can consumer up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, and it is estimated that in the United States, bats save farmers annually $3.7 million in reduced crop damage and pesticide use. 
• Bats are valuable pollinators - bats consume nectar and are essential pollinators for certain species such as the giant cacti and agave. 
• Bats promote seed propagation - fruit eating bats cover large distances, dispersing seeds in flight. 
• Bats are cool. Would the superhero world be the same without Batman and would anyone remember Bram Stoker without Dracula?

So this Halloween, take extra notice to those trick-or-treaters dressed in black with pointed ears and give thanks to those winged creatures that will be flying overhead at night.

Sources: Bat Conservation International,  www.batcon.org
               Defenders of Wildlife, www.defenders.org

Macaroni and Cheese with Butternut Squash, Tomatoes and Kale

Fall days are definitely upon us - and winter won't be far behind. It's time to bring on the comfort food and this vegetable filled mac and cheese definitely fits the bill.


Ingredients:
2 cups dried penne
1/2 butternut squash peeled and diced
1 cup sharp cheddar
3 tomatoes diced
2 scallions chopped
1 zucchini diced
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1 cup kale chopped
1 1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions. Microwave squash in glass bowl with about 1/2 cup of water 8 minutes or until soft. Over stove simmer milk with half of cheese, add tomatoes, scallions, yogurt, kale, salt, pepper and cooked squash. Drain pasta. Add to milk and cheese mixture.  Pour into greased 9" x 12" pan. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until bubbly,  about 25 minutes.

Before the Flood to Air Sunday October 30th

Watch Before the Flood, a Documentary on Climate Change with Leonardo DiCaprio, on the National Geographic channel and free worldwide on most internet stations, including YouTube, Hulu, Facebook and Twitter.

Vegan Skillet Cornbread

In order to eat healthier and in consideration of the environment, I prepare vegetarian meals about fifty percent of the time. However, I love all things dairy so will probably never go vegan. However, when we had a guest visit the other day who is vegan, I was able to experiment with baking without dairy. I made a vegetarian chili and then found this cornbread recipe. I did not have to buy any special ingredients, except for the soy milk. It is easy to prepare and the final product was much moister than other cornbread recipes I have made that contain eggs.




Ingredients
    1 1/2 cups soy milk
    2 tsp lemon juice
    1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
    1 cup cornmeal
    1 Tablespoon baking powder
    1/2 tsp salt
    1 cup corn kernels, cooked slightly if frozen
    1/2 cup vegetable oil
    1/2 cup maple syrup
    1 tablespoon margarine
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
   Yield: 8 servings

Preparation
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Place pan in the oven while you prepare the recipe.
In a small bowl, stir together the soy milk and lemon juice.
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
With an immersion blender puree the corn, vegetable oil and maple syrup until smooth and well combined. Add to the mixture the soymilk and lemon juice. Slowly stir in the flour mixture, stirring just until combined.

Remove the cast iron skillet from the oven and set on top of stove. Add the tablespoon of margarine which will melt quickly. Tilt the pan to cover the sides. Pour in the batter, the pan will be almost full. Carefully return to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Do not overcook. Best served warm

Fall Colors in Vermont

Fall Colors Reflected in Unknown Pond, Bethlehem, New Hampshire

The Autumn colors seemed to take a while to materialize this year, perhaps due to the drought and the mild weather. But when they did change, they were a burst of brilliance. I was able to appreciate them last week with a long-time friend, who came from Texas, along with her cousin from Wisconsin, to experience New England in the fall. They couldn't have picked a better week and the weather and the colors were near perfect.

On our fist day in Vermont we took a bike ride in the afternoon around Lake Memphremagog and then  watched the sunset over the lake from downtown Newport.

As a hiker, I am always looking for a new mountain to climb. For this trip, I selected Wheeler Mountain, near Lake Willoughby. When we have guests visiting, we frequently take them to Mount Pisgah on the East side of Lake Willoughby, but I was interested in exploring the trails on the opposite side. The Wheeler Mountain trail was described as having some of the finest and most varied views in the area. Since I had an older hiking book and map, I did not know that the parking area and the beginning of the trail had been rerouted earlier this year with assistance from the Northwoods Stewardship Center.This was a bit confusing since the trail did not follow the description in the book and at one point after continuing on a long descent, we thought that we may have made a wrong turn. Fortunately, we did not turn around and were able to experience the tremendous views for which this trail is known.

The trail begins at the new parking area, then crosses Wheeler Mountain Road before continuing into the woods.   

Beginning of Wheeler Mountain Trail

A white birch is a beautiful contrast to the changing foliage colors

After going down hill, the trail passes the former trail which is marked as closed. The trail then turns left and continues up the side of the mountain. Shortly after the sign, the trail begins to climb again

View on Wheeler Mountain Overlooking Peak Fall Colors 

and then breaks out of the woods and expansive views. Large open ledges provided plenty of opportunity for photos.

View as the trail continues upward toward Eagle Rock

Standing on Eagle Rock with Lake Willoughby in the background.

From the first ledges to the Eagle Rock outlook, the trail continues to climb, becoming steep in sections, but new views around every turn keep you going. Upon reaching the high point, known as Eagle Rock, there is a sign-in book to record your impressions. Although this is a popular trail, we only encountered a handful of other hikers, including a young couple who had just become engaged on Eagle Rock, a testament to the beauty and uniqueness of this place.

Bees and Wasps

I was stung twice this summer. In neither instance did I actually see the culprit. The first time I was in the garden and brushed up against a plant that was being enjoyed by numerous bees. This I figured was my fault as I should have been more cautious and given the bees some more room. I am typically of the mindset that if you don't bother bees, they won't bother you. I love to hear and watch them in the garden and always feel good knowing that my garden and the bees are benefiting each other. I know now that I also need to respect their space.

Bumble bee covered in pollen from squash flower

The second incident occurred in late summer. I was stung a couple times with no warning while I was filling up the bird bath. I never saw the attacker(s), but suspect I probably disturbed some wasps which can be quite aggressive. Perhaps because of the drought we have been experiencing, they were drawn to the water in the bird bath. Being stung hurts, and I typically experience pain and swelling for several days afterwards. I didn't see a swarm so I will just need to be more aware of my surroundings. Since both the bees and wasps are beneficial either as a pollinator or a predator of garden pests, I want to share our yard with them.   

Have you ever seen a large pear shaped object hanging from a tree and wondered what it was? If it looked like the photo below, it was a nest made by baldfaced hornets.The nest below was clearly visible during mid-summer, but you can more easily spot them in the fall after the leaves are gone. .

There is no need to be concerned if you have a nest in your yard as they again provide a valuable role by consuming pests, even other wasps. A new nest is made each year with the help of the colony of several hundred. The wasp mixes its saliva with dead plants, wood or paper to form the nesting material. The nests can reach a size of two feet by the end of summer. As the temperature drops, most of the colony will die, except for fertilized queens which will find protected areas, such as an old tree stump, to spend the winter. 

During the winter, you may find nests on the ground, like this one below.

A look at the cells on the inside of this baldfaced hornet's nest

Some people even collect them to use as decorations. I chose to just admire them from a distance.

Are We Entering Into a Sixth Mass Extinction?

Stanford University paleontologist Jon Payne explains in a 5-minute video what people mean when they say we’re on the brink of a sixth mass extinction.



If you enjoyed this video, check out Stanford University's Podcast Generation Anthropocene, Stories about Planetary Change.

The Beauty and Plight of Birds are Addressed in the Movie The Messenger

This week, Dave and I attended the second movie in The Future of Nature Film Series sponsored by The Nature Conservancy. The Messenger was presented with support from Harvest Capital, Orr & Reno and Eastern Bank and held at the Red River Theatres in Concord, New Hampshire. The Future of Nature Film Series is a great opportunity to delve deeper into an environmental topic by watching a film, and then engaging in a Q & A session with a panel of experts.

Savannah Sparrows have a beautiful song

The movie is about the importance of song birds to our planet and their current struggle to survive.  The Messenger is beautifully filmed with the opening scene of a single colorful bird flying in slow motion. It truly captures the miracle of flight. Whether you enjoy flying in an airplane, or not, who hasn't imagined being able to float effortlessly in the sky with no mechanical assistance? The colorful beauty and melody of birds has inspired artists, poets and musicians over the centuries. Although this quote from Harper Lee's famous book "Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy." minimizes the numerous benefits that birds provide to the environment, there is no question that all humans can appreciate them for the single trait of their song.

The movie touches upon a host of topics related to birds across the globe including migratory patterns, hunting traditions in France, songbirds role in the origins of music in Germany, and threats to their existence. Songbirds have shown a drastic decline over the past 50 years, almost 50 percent in North America, according to monitoring studies. Among the reasons for songbirds decline presented in the movie are mortality from building strikes, light pollution, pesticides, habitat destruction and predation by cats. I learned that songbirds migrate at night, so that excessive lighting in urban areas can disrupt their migration patterns. I also learned that neonicotinoids, a pesticide known to adversely effect bees, have been detected in surface water near farm fields that have previously grown plants that were derived from neonicotinoid treated seeds. It is suspected that this pesticide may be killing aquatic born insects, a major food source for many birds.

The movie ends somberly with a display of hundreds, maybe thousands of dead birds, laid out in a geometric pattern on the floor. If we want future generations to continue to hear and admire these graceful creatures, we all need to take action. It could be a simple act such as keeping your cat indoors, eliminating pesticides or providing food and shelter in your yard. On  a larger scale we can lobby for bans on neonicotinoid pesticides and help support land conservation efforts in the United States as well as in other countries where birds congregate and live after migrating south.

Fall has Arrived

Summer is never long enough for me. Today, marks the first day of fall. The autumnal equinox will occur at 10:21 this morning if you are in Eastern Daylight Time Zone in the United States. This is when the sun will be directly over the equator and the length of day and night will be almost equal across the globe. After this date in the northern hemisphere, the daylight hours will progressively shorten until the beginning of winter. Although I do feel ready to slow down a bit and turn my attention to things indoors, I love the long days of summer, the smell of cut grass, and the sound of insects at night. I know that my senses will be able to experience these things for a few more weeks, but change is in the air, even with our September temperatures being way above normal during the day and at night. This is most apparent with earlier sunsets and later sunrises. that signal it is time for harvesting and getting preparations together for winter.

With the end of summer comes the end of most of the garden's harvest. Last Friday was the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the fall equinox. It seemed that some animal, perhaps this deer (below) whose family makes regular trips across our lawn, took the name literally and devoured two out of my four sugar pumpkins.Since they had only fruited a few weeks before, they were mostly green, with just a tinge of orange.

Looking innocent here.

There were no signs of where this pumpkin went

Perhaps this one was too big to carry away

The survivor

I picked one (at right,) hoping it will ripen more inside, and left the remaining green one in the garden.  

One benefit of the shorter days of late summer and fall is that it encourages mushrooms to grow. While walking in the woods, I discovered a large growth of Laetiporus sulphureus, also called "chicken-of-the-woods." This specimen was fresh and perfect for picking.   Even though it is known as one of the "foolproof four" I will add the warning that all mushroom books and websites have - which is to never consume any part of a mushroom without certainty of its identification. This article from Cornell University provides a good description of this species, including warnings about variaties of Laetiporus which can be poisonous. Species that grow on eucalyptus (L.  gilbertsonii) or conifer trees (L. huroniensis and L. conifericola) should not be consumed.

Laetiporus sulphureus or "Chicken of the Woods"

Another precaution is that when eating a new variety of mushroom for the first time, you should only consume a small amount, because even edible mushrooms can cause an allergic or adverse reaction in some people. This fungus gets its common name from the fact that when cooked, it resembles chicken in taste and texture. I find that the best way to prepare it is to simply fry it in butter. Below is some that I sauteed and then added to a salad. It was delicious.