Tuesday, November 20, 2012

I now repent: caribou vs. development

Transnational networks of oil rush under our feet every day. Millions of barrels. Does the presence of pipelines affect activity above ground?

I'm writing an article about pipeline construction in my state, and I've been interested in that very question. Can pipelines can affect local wildlife in the long-term? Other than at large pumping stations, it shouldn't have a huge impact (unless that oil or gas surfaces, of course). But maybe so.


In order to inspect their lines, companies clear their right-of-way of brush. This is great for general pipeline safety (although in some wetland-type areas — like in the picture above — plants grow so fast they quickly cover the area back up), but it ends up fragmenting habitat and increasing the matrix, which certain species really, really don't like. My ecology professor just taught us how ovenbirds won't build nests near the forest edge, for instance. Now, does the 50-foot right-of-way like the one shone above really make a difference for wildlife abundance? The ovenbird would say yes. Does the ovenbird get a say?

In Vancouver, wildlife managers are faced with the question, "Caribou, wolves or development?"

Monday, November 19, 2012

Lizzie Wright Super Space Ship Strikes Again!

Lizzie Wright, who we have highlighted previously, has a new EP titled True/False. One review called it "Raw and naked, the lullaby of Lizzie Wright Super Space Ship drives the listener ever onward, tumbling and falling for the soft voice and simple supple melodies." We here at Bard Owls are inclined to agree. 

Source.

Friday, November 2, 2012

"A leaf is filled with chambers illuminated by gathered light."

Fern, Birmingham Archives & Heritage, U.K.
Robert Dunn's essay on leaves reads like botanical poetry. I wilted from the heat of it. You should read it in bed, in the morning, as the sun rises. That is all.