Obviously, a storm like Helene can cause great changes to landscapes, and I agree that excess CO2 is a threat to all of nature and civilization. However, I would like to respond to your comments about the ascendancy of vines: Many of the native vines in this area provide high-quality food to fall migrant birds, including your triple digit thrushes and grosbeaks. When I go looking for these birds in fall migration I look for fruit (berries). The various species of wild grapes and grape relatives, Pokeweed berries, etc. are important to them. I love Long-leaf Pine habitats, but when I am looking for migrant thrushes I head for vine-tangled hardwood stands.
I am afraid that a lot of our treasured birding spots were severely degraded by the recent storm.
A friend of mine lives across the Green River from the Walcott Tract of the Green River Game Lands. He texted me a photo - heartbreaking. Weekend before last I had 13 species of Warblers, 4 species of Thrushes (triple digit individuals) and lots of RB Grosbeaks there with JB Hines, Roger Smith, Brad Dalton, and John Cox.
The Walcott Tract had a section of forest destroyed a few years ago by a microburst associated with a passing storm. But this damage is even worse. And when clearings get made now, vines take over and make it hard for trees to restore the canopy. I read somewhere that with all the extra CO2 in the atmosphere now, vines have the upper hand in the arms race with woody plants.
I am also worried about other riverside birding spots / migrant traps in the mountains, foothills and piedmont. Not to mention the roads and bridges needed to reach them.
"These days I prefer to hunt with a camera. A good photograph demands more skill from the hunter, better nerves and more patience than the rifle shot." -- Bror Blixen
