In the United States, most hurricanes affect areas near the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. June through November is known as “Hurricane Season” with September being the busiest month! Destruction of land and property occur as the winds and rains combine with the force of the sea, producing huge waves. These waves are called the storm surge. This surge of water causes flooding and is especially destructive if it occurs at high tide. Tornados are also often present in hurricane clouds.

Is it a “herricane” or a “himmacane”? Naming these storms began because hurricanes can last for a week or longer and many times forecasters are watching more than one storm. Each year, the first tropical storm of the season is given a name beginning with A, the second storm starts with B and so on. Women’s and men’s names are alternated. Check out http://enchantedlearning.com/ and you will know all the storm’s names for the next few years!

September 14^th was a day I will not soon forget. Hurricane Ivan was threatening an area from Morgan City, Louisiana to the eastern panhandle of Florida. CC and I decided to move the Wetland Wanderer from the Rigolets in southeastern Louisiana through Lake Ponchartrain to a marina in the Tchefuncta River that had floating docks. The dockage was quite important as tides rise greatly during hurricanes. If this area would have been hit more directly by Ivan, CC figured at least our boat would have stayed afloat as long as the dock did.

Early on Tuesday morning we cast off heading toward  

Lake Ponchartrain wondering what the next few days held in store for coastal Louisiana. Crossing Lake Ponchartrain became very unpleasant. Winds and waves battered our houseboat after the initial smooth start. I am a true “chicken” and my hysteria on a few of the “rolls” did not help CC in his navigation!

The New Orleans area was spared the wrath of Ivan, yet the realization of what a storm of this size could do to the Crescent City is frightening. The evacuation of New Orleans was necessary. The “hassle” and work required to prepare for a possible storm is very taxing. “Better safe than sorry” is a saying that rings true when faced with a strong hurricane. It is very sad that Louisiana’s defenses are down because of the drastic wetland loss of the past years. Rebuilding and preserving our natural barriers is a must. Action now, in whatever form is essential. Our marshlands are places of beauty, natural resources, wildlife habitat, commerce, and storm surge protection.

Blue Winged Teal, Anas discors, are my favorite. The crescent moon patch under their eyes on their dark heads, and the large blue wing patches coloring their wings are distinctive. Groups of Blue-winged Teal appear in Louisiana as a part of their southward migration. Migrant Blue-wings are the earliest ducks to appear in our state. Their small size and the way they twist and turn in flight give appearance of great speed in flight. I have seen small compact flocks flying low over the marsh. I hope that they take the hunters by surprise with their quick actions! They are true harbingers of fall in Louisiana.

State wildlife managers fear that Ivan’s hurricane force winds lashing the mouth of the Mississippi River will effect the early migration of teal into south Louisiana. Large storms affect creatures of all shapes and sizes. I wonder what they think and where they seek shelter during hurricanes.