The heat was definitely back as well as no rain. Will the scurs be able to scrape together some rain and cooler temps or are we doomed to continue Mother Nature’s high desert impression? Starting Wednesday, mostly sunny with highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s. Mostly sunny and cooler for Thursday with highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s. Mostly sunny on Friday with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 40s. Saturday, mostly sunny becoming mostly cloudy in the evening with a chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 50s. Partly cloudy Sunday with a chance of rain in the forenoon. Highs near 70 and lows in the lower 50s. Mostly cloudy on Monday with a chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs on the mid 60s and lows in the low 50s Partly cloudy and warmer on Tuesday with a chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Highs near 80 and lows in the upper 50s. The normal high for September 15th is 73 and the normal low is 50. The scurs will be looking for their blankies if some of those low temperatures are for real.
Crops continued to progress rapidly towards maturity and the heat accelerated the process. A lot of corn has noticeable top dieback. Generally this is from late season heat and dry conditions pushing the plants resulting in cannibalization of the stalks and leaves in order to provide the ear with moisture and nutrients. Some of the early planted 100 day hybrids are showing a milk line 3/4 of the way down the kernel already, meaning that a frost at this point would do little to impact yield in that situation. Soybeans are also showing some of the same effects of the warm temperatures with many areas prone to drought stress — namely gravel pockets prematurely ripening. This will likely mean smaller soybeans and in some cases fewer of them.
Rainfall thus far in September has been too slight for most gauges to measure. At the ranch we’ve garnered a paltry .04” with a few trace amounts thrown in for laughs. Waterfowl is not laughing however. Small wetlands are beginning to dry up, something that seemed impossible even 6 weeks ago. Cattails are browning up as the low moisture level takes its toll. Trees are also showing signs of the stress with leaves drying up and beginning to drop prematurely in places.
Birds continue to move on through. What appears to be the last oriole of our season at the ranch was at the jelly feeder on the 7th. Hummingbird numbers continue to swell and their activity around the yard can keep one entertained for hours. Their squeaky little voices can be heard anytime one gets close to a nectar feeder followed of course by the humming of their tiny wings as they maneuver around the yard. More goldfinches are evident each day and their habit of dumping seed on the ground is a telltale sign they’ve been there even when we haven’t been there to see them.
Wild cucumbers have really made their presence known this year, making them the most commonly asked about weed problem in several years. They have become a real nuisance, in some cases covering evergreens with their leaves so completely that it blocks out the sunlight. This can result in the death of the tree particularly if it’s one that’s already under stress from needle cast, drought or other malady. Wild cucumber is an annual and must come from seed each year. The seeds are contained in a fleshy oval- shaped seed pod covered with spines. There are four seeds per pod and the seeds are shed when the pods ripen in the fall. Control generally is best achieved by pulling the plants early on before they begin to climb. Early in the season herbicides such as dicamba and glyphosate can be used but precautions need to be taken so desirable species are not affected.
A visit to Mom’s on her birthday continued a tradition established over the years. The next day is our anniversary so I’ve had no excuses for not remembering either one. Mom wasn’t there of course but her presence is still seems remarkably close after being gone now for a little over two months. As I motored towards her place it occurred to me that it might be appropriate to take the staff at the Care Center some DQ ice cream treats as we did many times while Mom was a resident there. Upon arrival I spied my sister just finishing up watering the plants. It was hot and she mentioned that when she’d arrived, there had been a bald eagle feeding on the large raccoon carcass north of the house. The bald eagle sighting was so Mom!
Sis also mentioned taking a break and heading to Ostrander with some ice cream treats for the staff. I wasn’t arguing and was amazed how our thoughts were so alike. I’d brought along a DQ gift card but of course in true Bernard family fashion she wouldn’t hear of it. The visit went well and we were welcomed with open arms as we recalled Mom’s days there and how we all missed her. We went back to the house and with a hungry construction crew awaiting food at her place my sister had to bolt. I filled the bird feeders, put some corn out for the squirrels and cleaned the birdbath since the heat was to continue a few more days. I could almost hear Mom asking though, “Say, I hate to bother you, but would you have time to remove that dead raccoon from the road in front of the house before you go? I know the eagle likes it but it looks like heck.” Of course was always my response and this time was no different. I’d put it where the eagle would still be able to locate it and then we’d all be happy. Except for the raccoon perhaps.
See you next week…real good then.