Winter brings us a series of storms off the ocean. Some are major atmospheric rivers with gale wind and heavy rain, others are just overcast and more lightly wet, with calm to breezy conditions. Sometimes it’s foggy. Snow is rare, and we haven’t had any this winter at all. Between the dim light of the season and the dark of weather systems, the Pacific Northwest can feel gloomy for much of winter. So when there's a break in the stormy weather and the sun comes out, it feels most welcome.
It never clears off entirely, like in summer. Some days we just get a few sunbreaks. Poofy clouds are rare. Occasionally after it’s been raining all day the sky will clear at the horizon near sunset sending a brief golden glow to light up the trees, fields and hillsides.
A family exploring the headland at last light
Two things I enjoy at the bay (and wetlands) when the sun is out are shadows and reflections.
Shadows
Cast by spent sand verbena vine
Cast by butter clam shell fragment
Cast by dried eelgrass strand
Cast by crow eating crab leg
Cast by rocks at road edge
Cast by shells
Reflections
Mew gull
Adult drake and hen or imm male bufflehead in reflection of grassy headland
Poofy white clouds on a glassy calm day
Oystercatchers in flight, one carrying a limpet
Otter pup and mom in reflection of grassy headland
Swans and cackling geese at Otto's marsh
Yesterday late afternoon there was a hint of filtered light over the Olympic mountains. That was our sunlight for the day.
An atmospheric river is arriving today. Wet and windy weather for the next few days. Temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s, unseasonably warm for January.
What’s up in nature in your neighborhood today?
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THE DAILY BUCKET IS A NATURE REFUGE. WE AMICABLY DISCUSS ANIMALS, WEATHER, CLIMATE, SOIL, PLANTS, WATERS AND NOTE LIFE’S PATTERNS.
WE INVITE YOU TO NOTE WHAT YOU ARE SEEING AROUND YOU IN YOUR OWN PART OF THE WORLD, AND TO SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURPOSE AND HISTORY OF THE DAILY BUCKET FEATURE, CHECK OUT THIS DIARY: DAILY BUCKET PHENOLOGY: 11 YEARS OF RECORDING EARTH'S VITAL SIGNS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
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