The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Rain, sun, wind...insects, birds, flowers...meteorites, rocks...seasonal changes...all are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
December 21, 2014
Today is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. All living things who pay attention to the natural world celebrate the renewal of the year, in their own ways. For those of us with calendars we note it today, knowing each day will be a little longer until midsummer. Wildlife and plants recognize increasing light and warmth and respond on their own "calendars" in their own time. Molting into breeding plumage, migration, flowering, aquatic blooms, sweetening of fruits, basking in the sun. The sun's energy fuels life on earth.
In recognition of this fundamental reality of our world, I celebrate. Here are a few photos that evoke that feeling for me. Light and life:
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(All photos by me. In Lightbox...click to enlarge)
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What does the solstice evoke for you? Or observations of the day from nature in your backyard? What's up where you are?
And don't forget the Yearly Bucket coming up Friday Dec 26. What were some peak moments in the natural world for you this year? Be ready to fill the Bucket with your moments.
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" is posted every Saturday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time and Wednesday at 3:30 on the Daily Kos front page. It's a great way to catch up on diaries you might have missed. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.