A lethal disease is ravaging bat colonies from eastern Canada and New England to North Carolina. The disease, white-nose syndrome, is caused by a fungus that causes holes to form in the membranes that enable bats to fly. Surveys indicate that in some areas the population of little brown bats has declined 91% and that of northern bats by 98%.
The economic implications for agriculture can be dramatic because a colony of 150 bats eats about 1.3 million insects each year, according to one study. Fewer bats, of course, mean more insects and more alternative means of insect control, which generally means more pesticides. One estimate values bats at more than $3 billion a year.
There is a glimmer of hope, however. Scientists see some evidence that the disease may not be as lethal in warmer climates. Note the operative word: perhaps.
If you have any interest in bats and their relationship to the environment, or just enjoy watching a little brown bat swooping over your garden in search of insects, you’ll want to read “On the trail of a bat scourge” by Darryl Fears in today’s Washington Post. CLICK HERE.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Frosty Morning Beauty
October came in like a lamb and is going out like a polar bear. Last week we were wondering when we’d get our first freeze. This week we’re wondering if Saturday’s sleet and snow irreparably damaged our Halloween pumpkins.
We here at Meadow Glenn were on the southern and eastern edge of the white stuff. We got just enough to frost our trees, shrubs, gardens, and lawns. The Washington Post this morning said the unusual nor’easter brought bone-chilling rain, sleet, and, in western Maryland, up to nine inches of snow. All three major airports in the Washington-Baltimore set records for low temperatures for their daily highs.
But today’s the day after, and the temperature here has approached 50°F. The frosted lawn is bright green again. Early this morning I went out and took photos of garden scenes. I find frosted leaves to be fascinating portraits that exist only a few minutes before the warm rays of the rising sun kiss them goodbye forever.
 |
| Sumac |
October came in like a lamb and is going out like a polar bear. Last week we were wondering when we’d get our first freeze. This week we’re wondering if Saturday’s sleet and snow irreparably damaged our Halloween pumpkins.
We here at Meadow Glenn were on the southern and eastern edge of the white stuff. We got just enough to frost our trees, shrubs, gardens, and lawns. The Washington Post this morning said the unusual nor’easter brought bone-chilling rain, sleet, and, in western Maryland, up to nine inches of snow. All three major airports in the Washington-Baltimore set records for low temperatures for their daily highs.
But today’s the day after, and the temperature here has approached 50°F. The frosted lawn is bright green again. Early this morning I went out and took photos of garden scenes. I find frosted leaves to be fascinating portraits that exist only a few minutes before the warm rays of the rising sun kiss them goodbye forever.
 |
| Fountain grass (left) and boxwood |
 |
| Grass |
 |
| Sedum |
 |
| Salvia |
 |
| Dianthus |
 |
| Weigela |
 |
| Rose |
 |
| Lamb's ear |
 |
| Clematis |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)