Shifting Seasons

"See yonder leafless tree against the sky,

How they diffuse themselves into the air,

And ever subdividing separate,

Limbs into branches, branches into twigs,

As if they loved the element, & hasted

To dissipate their being into it."

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

There hasn't been much sunny weather the past couple of weekends, but that hasn't stopped me from hitting the trails at Pheasant Branch. The cool, muted skies seem to amplify the subtle changes that mark this in-between season, where autumn finally hands over its reins to winter.

Bird-wise, the scene is shifting. American Tree Sparrows have moved in, bringing with them their soft, musical calls that always feel like a whisper of winter. Yet, the White-crowned Sparrows linger, their crisp black-and-white head stripes standing out against the fading landscape. It's a quiet, transitional time—perfect for contemplative hikes and listening to nature's subtle cues. Other birds during the hike included Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawks, Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, American Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos, and a lone White-throated Sparrow.

Did you know that the Pheasant Branch Springs discharge an average of 1,760 gallons per minute? That's a massive amount of water, and it's the kind of steady flow that keeps the wetland habitat vibrant, even in drier times. This constant flow nourishes the surrounding vegetation and provides a critical water source for wildlife, from amphibians to birds, including the sparrows I've been seeing lately. 

I stumbled upon some tree fungus that caught my attention. Amidst the earthy tones of russet, tan, and brown that dominate the landscape this time of year, these fungi seemed like little bursts of color—white, blue, and green patterns—standing out in sharp contrast.

With December and the end of the year fast approaching, it's a time for reflection. The seasons, as always, remind us of nature's cycles—how everything changes, sometimes slowly and sometimes suddenly, but always moving forward. As the year winds down, it's a good opportunity to pause and appreciate the beauty of both the fleeting moments and the enduring constants in our lives.

In Nature, just as in life, there's always something new to witness, something unexpected to discover. As the year draws to a close, it's a time for reflection—not just on the challenges we've faced, but on the things that separate us, the new tensions that have emerged, and the stark differences in how we view the world. While hope for growth and change remains, it's clear that the path forward will require reckoning with these divides, not pretending they don't exist. The coming seasons will bring more challenges, but also the possibility for clearer truths—whether we're ready for them or not.

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

Nope.

"The secrets of evolution are death and time—the deaths of enormous numbers of lifeforms that were imperfectly adapted to the environment; and time for a long succession of small mutations."

― Carl Sagan

There it is again ...

"Songbird bodies are far more evolved than ours, including their vision, hearing, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, endurance and speed, and their abilities to detect the earth’s magnetic poles and discern changes in air pressure. Chickadees, which have been here longer and may very well outlast us, have social hierarchies much like ours, though chickadees, in a more civilized and evolved manner, maintain their hierarchies not with bullying and fighting but with songs and other vocalizations."

From: Look to the Chickadees

No, nothing living today is "more evolved" than anything else. Evolution is not a ladder or hierarchy of progress but a branching tree of life, where all living organisms have been evolving for the same amount of time — about 3.8 billion years since life began. Different species have adapted to their unique environments and challenges in various ways, but no species is inherently better or more advanced than another. Each is suited to its ecological niche―a bacterium is as evolved as a human, just in a way that fits its role in an ecosystem.

While humans are complex organisms with advanced cognitive abilities, bacteria are incredibly efficient and resilient, thriving in environments humans could never survive in. I know what you might be thinking, but calling a trait "advanced" is context-dependent and descriptive of complexity or functionality. It doesn’t mean the organism as a whole is better or more evolved. Each organism is adapted to thrive in its environment, regardless of whether its traits are considered simple or complex by human standards. Both humans and bacteria are equally evolved, but they have followed different evolutionary paths shaped by the demands of their respective environments. To suggest one is more evolved than the other is to misunderstand what evolution really is: adaptation to survive, not a race to achieve superiority. 

This misconception of evolution often arises from teleological thinking, that processes in Nature, like evolution, have an inherent purpose or end goal, assuming it's a linear process, with species climbing a figurative ladder toward perfection. But evolution is not goal-directed. It's a response to environmental pressures and random mutations, leading to traits that improve abilities of organisms to survive and reproduce in a specific niche.

Understanding this helps us appreciate the diversity of life without imposing arbitrary hierarchies. Evolution is not about being better or worse, but about being fit for a specific role in the vast, interconnected web of life. Each organism, from the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, has its place in this incredible story of adaptation and survival. Sentimentalists don't care for this raw pitiless view of Nature, but that's the way it is. Nature doesn’t cater to human sentimentality—it operates without morality, fairness, or compassion, with no concern for whether the outcomes are good or bad by our standards. 

This unvarnished view of Nature is essential for truly understanding how life works. Nature isn't cruel or kind—it simply is. Traits that help an organism survive and reproduce get passed on, while those that don't fade away. There's no overarching narrative of justice or meaning in this process; it's blind, indifferent, and often brutal—predator success means prey failure, and vice versa. Yet, this endless competition is what drives the incredible diversity and adaptability we see in life today.

And it is amazing.

On Worry

I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers

flow in the right direction, will the earth turn

as it was taught, and if not how shall

I correct it?

Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,

can I do better?

Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows

can do it and I am, well,

hopeless.

Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,

am I going to get rheumatism,

lockjaw, dementia?

Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing.

And gave it up. And took my old body

and went out into the morning,

and sang.

― Mary Oliver

It's a quiet, gray weekend with soft showers drifting through the air. The usual signs of life are missing—no tiger beetles darting across the ground, no robber flies or dragonflies in sight. Only a lone Bald Eagle gilded above, moving steadily along the river. On the surface, life along the Wisconsin River seems to have retreated for the season, but the landscape's energy is just tucked away, lying dormant beneath the sand, rocks, logs, and grasses, waiting for the right moment to reemerge.

In these quiet moments, it's easy to overlook the subtle resilience of the land. Mosses and lichens thrive on the rocks and fallen logs, vibrant in shades of green and gray, unaffected by the season's change. The river's slow, steady flow offers a calm contrast to summer's rapid currents, and the trees, stripped of their leaves, stand tall, their skeletal branches stark against the gray sky.

Mary Oliver's words speak to the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed by what we can't control—be it personal fears or broader uncertainties. The poem's journey from worry to a sense of release suggests a way to navigate challenging times by reconnecting with what remains steady, like Nature. When facing disappointment or a sense of powerlessness, we can take a cue from Oliver and find solace in life's simple, grounded aspects.

To be honest, I am not all that worried and I have endured a lot in my six decades. Nature, with its dependable cycles, offers a calming contrast to human worries. Just as Oliver steps outside and begins to sing, we, too, can find renewal in turning our attention toward the Natural World, where the rhythms of the earth move on despite our temporary struggles. This groundedness can offer a healthy perspective, encouraging us to focus on what brings peace, even when external circumstances feel unsteady.

Don't forget this!

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

Whoa!

Remember this Stratocaster? 

It's been found! Though I don't know if it was ever truly lost.

Anyway, it's up for auction and expected to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000! 

Uh ... I can't afford it right just yet, but maybe once the next administration's economic policies take effect, I might be in the market for it. Timing is everything and it'll likely move on to its next home before I have the money saved up, but I'll try to keep track of the new owner(s). 

Meanwhile, my Custom Shop version will have to suffice. New right now, they go for around $5,000.00, which is still a tidy sum for a bloke like me.

CS '57 Mary Kaye Strat image © 2024 Mike McDowell

Ultra II!

"Every weakness contains within itself a strength."

― Shusaku Endo

In guitar gear news, Fender recently released their new Ultra II lineup of electric guitars and basses. I hate it when this happens. GAS (guitar acquisition syndrome) is very real and challenging to defeat, and perhaps I just can't do it.

Just look at this one ...

This is the Ultra II HSS Sinister Red Stratocaster. Its Haymaker™ Humbucker can be split with the S1 switch giving it a wicked single-coil sound―I've watched the YouTube reviews. Fender states, "With new Ultra II Noiseless Hot Strat pickups for articulate, hot-rodded Fender tones and a Haymaker™ Humbucker that unleashes a raw, expressive snarl, the Ultra II HSS Strat is about as versatile as you can get."

Other cool features include:

• Ultra rolled edges
• Luminlay side dots
• Quartersawn compound neck
• Hot-Strat Ultra II Noiseless pickups
• Anodized pickguards

Argh! I want one. To be sure, I do not need another guitar and I may sell a few of mine to justify getting an Ultra II. Obsessively, I already have three Ultra I Stratocasters, but one of them I heavily modded with Seymour Duncan pickups and new hardware. I have the Cobra Blue SSS and the Arctic Pearl HSS. Perhaps one of those will end up on the chopping block.

All images from Fender MIC 2024

More of this?

"I don't think that any subject in the history of science has been so distorted by the machinations of wish, will, and myth as evolution. The fact that half of Americans reject evolution is prima facie evidence for the country's educational failures."

― Stephen Jay Gould

• Biological Evolution is a fact.
• Anthropogenic Climate Disruption is a fact.
• That vaccines work is a fact.

These are not controversial.

A long-time fan and avid reader of his work, I was honored to have briefly met Stephen Jay Gould at a lecture a long time ago:

He died in 2002.

Link: The Wedge Strategy

You're a Liberal!

In a moment I'm going to share a quote with you, but one word in it needs its requisite contextual definition, as there's a good chance when people read it they might misunderstand its intent, message, and meaning. The word is 'liberal', which is often used today by certain media and politicians as a pejorative. 

Let's dive in, shall we?

U.S. Political Liberalism, Classical Liberalism, and Philosophical Liberalism all share a focus on individual rights and freedom, but they diverge significantly in their views on government's role and how freedom should be supported. U.S. Classical Liberalism, rooted in Enlightenment thinking, emphasizes minimal government, free markets, and individual responsibility. Its primary goal is to protect personal and economic freedom, favoring limited interference in personal lives and a strong belief in self-reliance and private property. This framework shaped much of early American thought, influencing foundational principles like the Constitution.

Modern U.S. Political Liberalism, on the other hand, evolved in response to changing social needs, particularly in the 20th century. It embraces a more active government role in addressing social inequities and creating opportunities for all, often through regulations, social programs, and progressive taxation. Where Classical Liberalism focuses on the free market and limited intervention, Political Liberalism emphasizes a balance between individual rights and social responsibility, advocating policies that support equality and protections for disadvantaged groups. For Political Liberals, government is a necessary tool to foster justice and ensure that everyone can participate in society on a more equal footing.

Meanwhile, Philosophical Liberalism is an overarching theory that explores the ethical and abstract foundations of freedom, justice, and individual rights, not tied to specific policies. Philosophical Liberalism considers issues like autonomy, justice, and the ethical limits of freedom but doesn’t prescribe a concrete governmental role. This tradition provides the underlying values that both Classical and Political Liberalism draw on but stays focused on broad ideals rather than specific applications. Together, these forms of liberalism illustrate the evolution of thought about freedom and fairness, from theoretical concepts to practical applications in the political sphere.

And now the quote ...

"Hitler’s democratic triumph exposed the true nature of democracy. Democracy has few values of its own: it is as good or as bad, as the principles of the people who operate it. In the hands of liberal and tolerant people, it will produce a liberal and tolerant government; in the hands of cannibals, a government of cannibals. In Germany in 1933-4 it produced a Nazi government because the prevailing culture of Germany’s voters did not give priority to the exclusion of gangsters."

― Norman Davies, Historian (1996)

In this quote, Norman Davies uses "liberal" to refer to a set of principles emphasizing tolerance, openness, and respect for individual freedoms. He’s not necessarily referencing "liberal" in the modern, left-leaning U.S. political sense but rather in the broader, classical and philosophical sense associated with democratic values like freedom of speech, pluralism, and the protection of individual rights.

When Davies speaks of "liberal and tolerant people," he means those who value these foundational democratic principles, which ideally foster a society where diverse views coexist peacefully, and government operates with fairness and restraint. In contrast, the "cannibals" he mentions represent those with values fundamentally opposed to tolerance and individual freedom—people whose beliefs could erode or exploit democratic systems for harmful ends, as occurred in Nazi Germany.

So, Davies’ use of "liberal" here underscores the idea that democracy's effectiveness depends on a commitment to values that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals. It aligns more closely with Philosophical Liberalism. Without such a foundation, democracy itself is susceptible to being overtaken by destructive ideologies.

Devil's Lake State Park!

"I love to walk in the woods. But what I love even more is when the woods walk within me."

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Few things compare to a beautiful fall hike at Devil's Lake State Park. The weekend crowd was out in force, but quieter trails offered peaceful spots to take in the park's stunning scenery. Now, October draws to a close, and we’re heading into the long stretch of winter until March. While the current warmth feels almost out of season, the chill will soon set in, and the last of the insects will fade away

Until November ...

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell

Wolf Spiders!

"Spiders are not only essential to the balance of nature but are also fascinating creatures that inspire awe and curiosity."

— David Attenborough

For lack of rain, the Wisconsin River near Sauk City is rather low once again, offering opportunities for exploration and exposing more habitat for the creatures that thrive along its banks. When the water level drops, the shoreline becomes easier to navigate, allowing for extended treks and a closer look at the fascinating world of creepy-crawlies that emerge. Although autumn is well underway, we're still not at peak fall colors. Most of the trees along the river are holding onto their green leaves with some showing hints of yellow.

During this outing, there were several Arctosa littoralis—Shoreline (or Beach) wolf spiders—scurrying across the exposed terrain. These spiders are perfectly adapted to life along the riverbanks, their cryptic coloration helping them blend into the surroundings as they hunt and move across the sandy habitat. 

They're known to burrow under sand or other beach debris, which helps them stay hidden from predators (mainly wasps) and better positioned to ambush prey. Typically nocturnal predators, they emerge at night to hunt for insects. During the day, they remain concealed under sand to avoid detection​, but when disturbed, they'll make a run for it to avoid getting crushed. 

Their hiding behavior is facilitated by their ability to blend into the sandy habitat thanks to their coloration, which acts as some of the best camouflage rendered by natural selection. Unlike spiders that rely on webs, wolf spiders like Arctosa littoralis are agile hunters, and their excellent eyesight helps them spot prey even in low-light conditions. They react quickly when they feel threatened. When sufficiently bothered, they can literally jump away, with larger individuals capable of leaping about a foot at a time, doing this repeatedly until they are out of danger. It's kind of adorable, actually.

How about some macro close-ups?

Some individuals exhibit drab patterns and colors, blending seamlessly into their sandy surroundings, while others display more vibrant hues with warmer tones. These striking variations not only showcase their beauty but also serve as a fascinating reminder of their adaptability to different micro habitats.

I would like to get a better photo of their fangs, but I don't wish to handle them. As much as I admire them, they are a little creepy—it's part of their attraction, though.

Appreciate this warmer-toned one ...

Their amazing eyes ...

Such astonishing camouflage!

The trees along the shore were bustling with a gazillion Yellow-rumped Warblers. This time of year, they don’t sing; instead, their cheerful chip notes sound like a persistent 'check' as they flit from branch to branch, searching for insects and berries. While their vibrant yellow butt-patch adds a splash of color to the scene, these warblers are so common that most birders wouldn’t give them a second glance. However, their abundance is a testament to their adaptive success, thriving in a variety of habitats and making them a familiar autumn sight. It really is a good bird.

I brought my digi-rig with me and spent some time photographing the fall-plumaged YRWAs.

Farewell for now, but they’ll return in the spring, usually in late March for those of us in southern Wisconsin. Their arrival signals the promise of May's glorious neotropical songbird migration, which, unfortunately, seems to feature fewer members with each passing decade of my birding experience. At least this species remains abundant, and they could, down the road, serve as genetic stock for evolution to potentially create new varieties of wood warblers, perhaps thousands of years from now. When observing the current Parulidae family, we see members that are strikingly similar due to recent speciation, alongside others that are quite disparate, having speciated much longer ago. This suggests that hundreds of warbler species likely went extinct long before there were humans in North America to witness them.

Lastly, there were still some tiger beetles, but only Bronzed now. Recall last year I found them up to the first week of November, which was the first time I had ever observed them so late in the season. We've had a few nights of freezing temperatures, but we're heading into a warming trend for a week or so. It'll be interesting to see if they re-emerge. 

Perhaps farewell to the tiger beetles, as well!

October highlights vanishing seasonal life, through migration, hibernation, decay, and death. Each species plays an important role in our local ecosystem, reminding us of the diversity of life that thrives around us during the warm months. As we observe their beauty, behaviors, and interactions, let’s continue to appreciate and do our best to protect these remarkable creatures and their habitats for the future—and you can't do that by rolling back hundreds of environmental programs and regulations. 

All images © 2024 Mike McDowell