Most people know that water is a precious resource. Between climate change and the needs of an ever-growing world population, water is vanishing more rapidly. Many bodies of water around the world aren't what they once were; the Dead (or Salt) Sea is one of them.
The Dead Sea is a unique place for many reasons. It is the lowest body of water on the surface of Earth; through much of the 20th century, the surface level of the lake was 1,300 feet below sea level. Tourists flock to the area in order to swim (and float easily) in the sea, due to the salinity of the water. The salt and mineral-rich mud are known for their health benefits, another big draw. However, by 2010, the lake level had dropped 100 feet, to about 1,410 feet below sea level; it continues to drop at a rate of 3 feet per year.
The water loss is primarily due to the fact that one of the sea’s primary water sources, the Jordan River, was dammed in the 1960s. As human populations grew, river water was needed to maintain crops and support communities in the region; the result has been a substantial drop in the volume of water entering the sea.
Due to the tense political climate in the area, as of Oct 2020, the potential solution (a pipeline from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea), although being worked on, has yet to be fully implemented.
There's still water left in the Dead Sea, but if you want to see it and float in the water yourself, you might want to go sooner rather than later.
For those of you who love mashed potatoes on your Thanksgiving table, but also care about your carbs, try our Fool 'Em Mashed Potatoes! The secret ingredient? Cauliflower! Sure, it's made with frozen cauliflower, but this recipe is so creamy and buttery that your guests will never know the difference. You won't be able to get enough, and that's perfectly fine since this is a healthier option everyone will love.
- 1 1/2 pounds yellow gold potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets (See tip) (about 14 ounces)
- 1/2 stick butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover; bring to a boil. Cook 10 minutes. Add cauliflower, return to a boil, and cook 10 more minutes or until fork-tender. Drain potatoes and cauliflower really well and return to pot.
- Add butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Serve piping hot.
- bird-watching
- studying birds
- educating others
- other bird-related activities
- A particularly important National Bird Day activity is bird adoption. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper article, many bird enthusiasts celebrate by adopting birds on this day and educating future bird owners about the special issues involved with taking care of birds, including the “proper care, cleanup, noise and biting, feeding, diet and their need for daily interaction.”
There are approximately 10,000 species of birds.
HOW TO OBSERVE
- Pick up a bird identification book. It will help you to learn about species in your area and identify those frequenting your bird feeders.
- Enhance the attraction of your backyard. Add feeders, shelter and more. Learn what birds in your area like to eat and watch them flock to your sanctuary.
- Donate to a bird sanctuary or aviary dedicated to improving the survival of endangered birds.
- While you’re learning about all the amazing species, visit an aviary. A botanical garden, zoo, or conservation area may offer close up viewing of some of the more exotic species you’ve never seen before.
NATIONAL BIRD DAY HISTORY
Relevant Observances:
Second Saturday in May in U.S. and Canada – second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Started in 1979
Second Saturday in May
