The Madman Is Troubled By Warmer Weather

Here we are in 2024 and the madman is troubled. For the past month or so his thoughts keep returning to our new USDA Hardiness Zone. We have moved up a half a zone.

We Are Getting Warmer

It may not sound like a big deal – after all, it’s only a 5° temperature shift. But the fact is, Connecticut is getting warmer. In the 1800s, people skated on the rivers surrounding Hartford. The Spring Brook Ice Service Company harvested ice in New Britain until World War II. And, in the 1950s, the madman zoomed down the snow-covered Page Park hill on his sled. Our winters are definitely getting warmer. When was the last time your first snowman of the season lasted until February vacation?

But, the lack of ice and snow is not what ‘s bothering the madman. The speed at which changes are occurring is what is bothering the madman. I can even get a bit more specific. The impact this warmer weather will have on our native wildlife is what is really bothering the madman.

Effects of Warmer Weather

Let’s take a look at the birds and their migration patterns. Every spring, the madman delights in spotting the first arrivals from their winter habitats. The Warblers, the Orioles, the Red-Wing Blackbirds, the quiet Thrushes and, of course, the fascinating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. We all know that the food supply is a major factor in these migrations. Over tens of thousands of years, the migration patterns evolved along with the lifecycles of our native plants. Not just the plants, the insects that thrive on these plants. Birds need the shelter of our native trees and shrubs, but more important, birds need the protein provided by the larvae of native insects found on these plants.

As temperatures warm, native plants may leaf out and bloom earlier. And insects may hatch earlier. The madman is afraid that if the plants bloom and the insects hatch before the birds arrive, some of his favorite species won’t be able to get enough food. Less food may lead to reduced numbers or even extinction for certain species.

Scientists Are Concerned

Lucky for the madman, he’s not alone in his thoughts. Scientists have been looking at the effects of warmer weather for a number of years. Fortunately, not all is gloom and doom.

Some bird species are adapting by showing up at breeding locations earlier. This is especially true for species like the Red-wing Blackbird which only winter in the southern United States. It seems these birds have learned over time that warming in the weather means it’s time to head north.

Other species, like the Tree Swallow, winter much further south where the temperature doesn’t vary all that much. These birds rely on length of day to signal migration. So, they are most at risk for arriving after caterpillars and other larvae have peaked. Arriving exhausted and hungry, these birds may struggle to nest, breed, and raise young since the protein-rich food supplies are already gone.

Insects Are In Decline

Before you panic and think we’ll be overrun by bugs because the birds won’t get a bunch of them, consider this. Native insect numbers are dropping. We’ve all heard about the plights of native bees and Monarch butterflies. But, in general, insect populations are down. Habitat loss, pollution and warming global temperatures are mostly to blame. Couple this with heavy use of pesticides.

Interestingly, insects are ectothermic, meaning they can’t regulate their own body temperatures. With warmer weather and an increasing number of heatwaves, many native species experience reduced reproduction rates. In response, numbers of insect species move northward to seek more favorable habitat. Their absence in an area, allows invasive insect species to take over. Not a good thing considering all the good things our native insects do for us and our native ecosystems. Remember, they are the great pollinators, and they add valuable nutrients to our soils. Consider this, insects have had a hand in every third bite of food we take. We can’t afford to lose them.

Native Plants Have Choices

And, speaking of loss, what about the native plants themselves? This is a stickier subject. As temperatures warm, plants have three options: adapt to changes, migrate to a better environment or just disappear.

Plants have always had to adapt to changing conditions – remember, the earth is constantly changing. But changes are happening at a much faster rate, and we are experiencing more frequent extreme weather events like drought, heatwaves and flooding – all of which add additional stress to native populations.

Plants do migrate, but since native trees and shrubs are rooted into the ground, they can’t simply pick up and go. Plant migration occurs by seed dispersal. Wind, animals, humans and birds can carry seeds to newer locations. If seedlings establish themselves in the new location, migration is successful. Some scientists fear that changes are occurring too quickly for plants to adapt or move and we may see some species disappear entirely.

Nature Needs Our Help

Because plants are interdependent with other organisms and with one another, we simply can’t afford to lose any.  We can support plant survival by making sustainable lifestyle choices including planting native species, avoiding unnecessary pesticides and chemicals and encouraging reforestation efforts.

Here are some things we can all do. First, and this is not the first time we have said this, plant native trees and shrubs. But now we are going to modify this a bit. Each plant has a natural range. When selecting native plants for your yard, choose those in the mid to northern section of their ranges (remember the new USDA hardiness zones?) If possible, select locally sourced plants for landscaping and always be on the lookout for invasive species – get rid of them quickly. Be cautious and prudent with the use of chemicals in the garden. Indiscriminate application of pesticides can kill as many good bugs as bad bugs while it adds pollution to our waterways. Support reforestation projects such as One Tree Planted, The Nature Conservancy and the Tree Foundation.

But the madman thinks that the most important thing you can do is introduce your children and grandchildren to the wonders of nature. We’ll need their help in the future. And remember to always take time to enjoy nature. Today we’ll do it with a cup of hot cocoa.