I was a CBC compiler for 20 years in California. The last year — before I moved to Washington — 60% of the count circle burned in a single fire. Even most of the oaks were turned to white ash skeletons laid across black hillsides. We’d had fires before. It was normal for about 5% of the circle to burn every few years, but this was one of the new mega-fires. The 100 square miles it burned in our count circle was a small fraction of its total footprint. Let’s just say the Wrentits can’t just hop over to the next canyon when they all burn at once. At least we’re getting a great data set, though.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I was heartened by all of the different species we saw, despite the devastation. I imagine the changes will mostly be noted in the decline in ducks and waterfowl counts. The change in the landscape and habitat was the hardest to bear.
"And when the light begins to grow and the dawn chorus erupts, it beautifully pierces the silence". Those words captured me immediately resonating with understanding. Lucky you.
This would break me! I have this constant fear that bird song will disappear in my lifetime.
I was a CBC compiler for 20 years in California. The last year — before I moved to Washington — 60% of the count circle burned in a single fire. Even most of the oaks were turned to white ash skeletons laid across black hillsides. We’d had fires before. It was normal for about 5% of the circle to burn every few years, but this was one of the new mega-fires. The 100 square miles it burned in our count circle was a small fraction of its total footprint. Let’s just say the Wrentits can’t just hop over to the next canyon when they all burn at once. At least we’re getting a great data set, though.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. I was heartened by all of the different species we saw, despite the devastation. I imagine the changes will mostly be noted in the decline in ducks and waterfowl counts. The change in the landscape and habitat was the hardest to bear.
"And when the light begins to grow and the dawn chorus erupts, it beautifully pierces the silence". Those words captured me immediately resonating with understanding. Lucky you.
This is stunningly beautiful, heartbreaking and hopeful all at the same time. I cried. Truly.
Thank you, that means a lot.
Heartbreaking and uplifting one moment to the next. So sorry for the loss experienced from HH
Thank you, it has been an emotional roller coaster. I appreciate your feedback and writing!
Back at you!!!