Category Archives: animals

Razorbills of Bolungarvík, Iceland

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A Morning Surprise: The Razorbill Pair

I absolutely love this picture. Yesterday I mentioned how I’ve been very visual lately, and here’s another example of what I mean. Each morning when I log onto my computer, I never know what visual treat might be waiting for me. My wallpaper rotates every couple of days—sometimes it’s a misty bridge, other times a fierce tiger mid-prowl. The photography is always stunning. I envy the talent behind these shots. It’s the kind of artistry I once dreamed of mastering.

But today, I want to spotlight one image in particular: a pair of razorbills standing close together on a rocky ledge by the sea.

Texture, Contrast, and Connection

It’s not that razorbills are the most elegant birds. Their plumage is simple—dark brown above, white below—but this photo captures something extraordinary. The contrast is brilliant. The clarity is so sharp I can almost feel the downy softness of their feathers and trace the texture of their chocolate-brown heads. The white bellies pop against the deep blue of the ocean, and the whole composition feels like a masterclass in natural lighting and framing.

A Quiet Moment of Devotion

What really gets me, though, is the sentiment. These birds aren’t just standing side by side—they’re touching heads, mirroring each other in a way that feels tender and intentional. There’s a quiet devotion in their posture, a kind of avian intimacy that’s rare to catch on camera. It’s a reminder that beauty isn’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes it’s found in the stillness, in the connection, in the way two creatures simply exist together.

This picture has it all—texture, color, emotion. And I’m so glad it found its way to my screen.

 

Squirrels, Shenanigans, and the Cat Who Judges Them All

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Squirrels: Rats with Better PR?

Squirrels. You either love them or you’re plotting their downfall. There’s no middle ground. I’ve heard people say they’re “rats with better PR,” and honestly, it’s hard to argue. They’re fluffy, fast, and just mischievous enough to charm their way out of trouble.

If you ask Banner, my resident cat and full‑time backyard security officer, squirrels are rotten little interlopers. He spends countless hours stationed at the glass slider, tail flicking, eyes narrowed, ready to defend his territory. Give him the chance and he’d happily show them who really runs this household.

The Cat Who Cleared the Neighborhood

Shadow, the scourge of the squirrel neighborhood

Before Banner, I had another cat who has long since crossed the rainbow bridge. We lived in a lovely neighborhood full of trees, shrubs, and — you guessed it — squirrels. One day, my neighbor stopped by to thank me for “finally getting rid of the squirrel problem.” I had no idea what he meant until he explained that my fuzzy little companion had been catching squirrels and leaving only the fluffy tails behind.

Horrifying? Absolutely.
Unexpectedly heroic? According to my squirrel‑hating neighbor, yes.
My cat became a local legend — the silent, whiskered vigilante no one asked for but everyone (well, almost everyone) appreciated.

NC’s white squirrel

A Whole World of Squirrels

I’m not sure how many types of squirrels exist, but I know it’s a lot. I’ve seen white squirrels, black squirrels, red squirrels, and the classic grey. Are chipmunks part of the squirrel family? I think so. I once read there are more than 278 species, which feels like at least 200 too many if you ask the power companies.

Vancouver BC- black squirrel

Speaking of which — squirrels have knocked out the power grid more times than hackers ever have. One wrong leap and suddenly half the neighborhood is sitting in the dark, wondering why they can hear birds but not the TV.

Rare photo of Florida Squirrel

Squirrel Shenanigans & Forest Drama

Squirrels are also victims of petty theft. About 25% of their buried nuts get stolen — often by other squirrels. No honor among woodland thieves.

And then there’s the bird feeder drama. The acrobatics, the scolding, the dramatic falls. It’s like watching a tiny, furry soap opera unfold in real time. Banner watches with the intensity of someone who believes he could fix the entire situation if only I’d open the door.

squirrwl

Alaskan Squirrel

I’m Team Squirrel (Mostly)

Despite the chaos, I like squirrels. Their forgotten nuts grow into trees. Their antics make me laugh. And they’re great for photos — my camera loves them almost as much as Banner hates them.

So here’s to squirrels: the forest’s fuzzy little troublemakers. May your power stay on, your bird feeders survive, and your pets remain convinced they’re the true rulers of the backyard.

 

chipmunk

Colorado’s Big, Bold, and Slightly Baked Idea

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A Wildlife Overpass for the Ages

A Mile‑High Solution to a Down‑to‑Earth Problem

Yo, wildlife lovers—gather ‘round. Did you know that Colorado, the state where the air is thin, the mountains are tall, and the recreational marijuana is… well, very recreational, is building one of the world’s largest wildlife overpasses? Yes indeed. Leave it to Colorado to say, “Hey, what if we just let the elk do their thing—safely—and vibe their way across the interstate?”

Mama and Cubs

Grizzly 399 and cubs -Wyoming Photo Credit Deb Neumann

I first heard about wildlife crossings in Canada, where they’ve been quietly helping critters avoid becoming roadkill for years. Sometimes it’s a tunnel under a highway; sometimes it’s a lush, green overpass that looks like a national park decided to take a nap on top of a bridge. Either way, the goal is simple: stop the heartbreaking (and frankly messy) carnage we see on roads every year. From squashed squirrels to majestic elk and even bears—vehicle collisions take a toll. Grizzly 399 in Wyoming, a beloved icon, was tragically killed by a vehicle accident. These crossings matter.

The Biggest, Boldest Overpass Yet

Colorado’s new wildlife overpass is being built across I‑25 near the Greenland interchange between Larkspur and Monument. And this isn’t just any overpass—this will be the world’s largest wildlife structure over a major roadway. Leave it to Colorado to go big or go home. Maybe it’s the altitude. Maybe it’s the edibles. Who’s to say.

This massive structure will span six full lanes of interstate traffic. Imagine elk strolling over rush hour like they’re on a scenic hiking trail while commuters below sip coffee and wonder why they didn’t choose a simpler life in the woods.

Why Overpasses Work (Especially for the Big Guys)

Before this system began construction, this stretch of I‑25 saw an average of one wildlife‑vehicle crash per day. One. Every. Day. The new crossing system—overpass plus underpasses—is expected to reduce those crashes by up to 90%.

Smaller animals tend to use the tunnels, but elk and other large game? They’re not fans of enclosed spaces. Tunnels don’t accommodate their antlers, their line of sight, or their general “I need room to strut” energy. Overpasses, with open views and natural vegetation, are their preferred runway.

A Win for Wildlife and Drivers Alike

This project is a reminder that conservation doesn’t always require grand speeches or sweeping legislation. Sometimes it’s as simple—and brilliant—as giving animals a safe path home. Colorado’s leading the way, and honestly, I hope more states follow suit.

After all, if we can build bridges for people, why not build them for the creatures who were here long before the interstates arrived?

 

When Protections Shift

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The ESA in a Changing Political Landscape

The Endangered Species Act has shaped wildlife conservation for more than fifty years, and today it faces one of its most challenging chapters. Policies continue to shift, and new proposals keep emerging, which pushes the ESA into a period of rapid change. As a result, many scientists, advocates, and nature‑loving communities are watching closely. They want to understand how these decisions will influence the species and landscapes we rely on. Because of this growing uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to look at what’s changing—and why it matters.

A Law Still Standing — But Applied Differently

The ESA still exists as federal law, and lawmakers have not repealed it. However, the current administration continues to introduce regulatory changes that alter how the law works in practice. These revisions reshape how agencies evaluate species, designate habitat, and weigh economic impacts.

For example, the administration now:

  • Considers economic factors when reviewing species for protection
  • Limits the definition of “critical habitat”
  • Makes delisting easier
  • Removes automatic protections for newly listed threatened species

Because these changes shift the law’s practical impact, conservation groups argue that the ESA no longer functions with the same strength it once had. Meanwhile, industries that rely on land use and development often support these revisions because they reduce regulatory barriers.

Why These Changes Matter for Wildlife

Wildlife depends on timely, science‑based decisions, and even small delays can create long‑term consequences. When agencies slow the listing process or narrow habitat protections, vulnerable species lose the support they need to recover.

For instance:

  • North Atlantic right whales face increasing threats from ship strikes and entanglement
  • Monarch butterflies continue to decline as milkweed disappears
  • Wolverines struggle as warming temperatures reduce snowpack
  • Sea turtles rely on protected nesting beaches that development can easily disrupt

Furthermore, weakened protections can ripple through entire ecosystems. When one species declines, others often follow, which ultimately affects the health of forests, coastlines, and waterways.

The Human Side of Conservation

These policy changes also influence the communities that share space with wildlife. Because the ESA guides how we manage land, water, and development, any shift in its application affects people as well.

Across New England and beyond, these changes may:

  • Alter land‑use planning
  • Influence environmental review processes
  • Affect tourism and outdoor recreation
  • Create uncertainty for conservation groups and local governments

Consequently, the ESA plays a larger role in daily life than many people realize. It shapes the balance between human activity and the natural world, and that balance directly affects our quality of life.

A Crossroads for Conservation

Right now, the ESA stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will influence wildlife protection for decades. Because these proposals continue to evolve, the story is far from over. Conservationists, lawmakers, and communities across the country are watching closely, and many of them are preparing for long debates about the future of the law.

Staying Engaged as the Story Unfolds

We’re tracking these developments as they happen, and each new proposal adds another layer to the conversation. I’ll continue following the changes and explaining what they mean for wildlife, habitats, and the communities that depend on them. Stay with me as this story moves forward—every decision made now will shape the natural world we pass on to the next generation.

Sunflower and butterfly 2018

The Day Nixon Protected the Wild

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How December 28 Changed Our Natural World

Every so often, history hands us a moment that reshapes the way we care for the planet. December 28, 1973, was one of those days. On that winter afternoon, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into law—an act that would become one of the strongest environmental protections in the world. And yes, it came from a president whose legacy is… complicated.

A Notorious Presidency: Why Nixon’s Name Still Echoes

Richard Nixon remains one of the most talked‑about presidents in American history. His administration was marked by the Watergate scandal, a political crisis that led to investigations, resignations, and ultimately his own resignation from office. The phrase “I am not a crook,” which he famously said in response to allegations, became a cultural shorthand for political scandal and mistrust.

Yet even amid controversy, Nixon’s presidency produced a surprising wave of environmental action. Under his administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created, and several landmark environmental laws—including the ESA—were signed. History is rarely tidy, and Nixon’s environmental legacy is a reminder of that.

What Exactly Is the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act was designed to protect plants and animals at risk of extinction. It does three major things:

  • Identifies species that are endangered or threatened
  • Protects their habitats, preventing destruction or harmful development
  • Creates recovery plans to help species rebound

It’s not just a list—it’s a commitment. The ESA requires federal agencies to consider the impact of their actions on vulnerable species, making it one of the most powerful conservation tools ever created.

How the ESA Shapes Our World Today

The effects of the ESA ripple far beyond the forests and oceans. It influences how we build, farm, fish, and even how we plan communities. More importantly, it has helped pull dozens of species back from the brink, including:

  • The bald eagle
  • The American alligator
  • The peregrine falcon
  • The humpback whale *

Breaching Whale

These aren’t just animals—they’re symbols of resilience.

For us, the ESA protects biodiversity, which in turn supports healthy ecosystems. Those ecosystems give us clean water, stable soil, pollinators for our crops, and the natural beauty that inspires so much of our storytelling here on Around Dusty Roads.

Why This Moment Still Matters

In a world where climate change and habitat loss continue to threaten wildlife, the ESA stands as a reminder that policy can be a force for good. Nixon’s signature on that December day helped safeguard the natural heritage we pass on to future generations.

It’s a story of contradiction, hope, and the unexpected ways history shapes our world. And it’s a reminder that even in turbulent times, meaningful progress can take root.

Closing Thoughts

Today, the Endangered Species Act still stands as one of the most powerful conservation tools we have—but it’s not without new challenges. The current administration has proposed regulatory changes that many scientists and environmental groups warn could weaken key protections the ESA has relied on for decades. As these debates unfold, the future of wildlife conservation hangs in the balance. In our next post, we’ll take a closer look at the specific efforts underway to revise or roll back parts of the ESA, and what those changes could mean for the species that depend on it.

PS*: We need More Success Stories Like this