Yesterday in Punta del Este, a few of us held a 1 min vigil for multilateral trading system, reading opening paras from Time’s coverage of talks to create the World Trade Org, 29.9.1986. It reads like a sacred text. Sunset: either a splendid orange or future US trade policy burning down the house.

Meanwhile, in the Parque natural regional, Valle del Lunarejo, Uruguay, here’s what’s goin’ down… Birdsong from the rufous-collared sparrow, rufous-bellied thrush, rufous-hornero, southern lapwing, sayaca tananger, saffron finch, great kiskadee, grey-breasted martin, and fork-tailed flycatcher.

I am pleased to report that standing here at the junction of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, all is well (the minor border quibble is well under control and birds are freely transiting the frontier).

The world may be falling apart, but meanwhile in Uruguay…

Don’t let the sun set on our chance to #StopFundingOverfishing! 🐟🌅

Join me and @RonSteenblik.bsky.social in urging @WTO members to act NOW and agree on additional rules that will ensure sustainable fisheries and a healthy ocean for generations to come.

All was calm by the water-rock fountain at the California Botanic Garden this morning. But, in rolled a troop of lesser finches for a drink and a wash-up, and mayhem ensued.