Weather Change

With all the talk about climate change I am concerned this year with weather change. Before Xmas we had the hottest weather experienced for many years. Since Xmas we are experiencing the coldest weather since records were kept. January and February are traditionally the driest months of the year but this year we have plenty of rain.

Just observing the level of the lakes and ponds brings you to the realization that our weather has been goofy. The results of these changes had nature in transition as well. After four years of drought Florida is returning to the lush grasslands and wetlands so vital for the fish and bird populations. One sure sign is the wood stork population and their breeding habits.

If the water level is low and fish stocks are unable to reproduce in the wetlands, the storks will not even build a nest. This year the storks are everywhere. I counted over a hundred on our golf course alone and birdwatchers are having a field day with sightings not seen for years.

With the revitalization of the abundant wetlands also comes the dreaded mosquito with its ability to spread west Nile and other diseases, not to say the pesky insects bites are welcomed. We now hear the helicopters flying over the wetlands and ponds spraying to control these little beasts.

Traffic is down almost half in the tourists areas because of the lack of heat and sunshine. Economics play a big role in all peoples lives but when it comes to the tourist trade weather is the number one factor. If weather can have such an impact on our lives just imagine how much impact climate change will make in our lives.