Sundog!

When David and I went down to the barn to feed this morning, we were thrilled to see a sundog, or parhelion.

7 a.m., 14F(-10C)

 

 

Paraphrasing Wikipedia, a sundog is formed in very cold weather by ice crystals called diamond dust drifting in the air at low levels.  As the crystals sink through the air, they become vertically aligned.  Sundogs are red-colored at the side nearest the sun.

 

I've only seen a few sundogs, and they thrill me every time.  I never expected to see one in May.  Hmm, so there's an upside to doing chores at 14 degrees, even in May. 

 

Believe it or not, the day warmed up quickly, and it was actually a pretty darn nice day.

 

May Day Snow

Oh joy.  Another snowstorm.  That makes a snowstorm a week for the last seven weeks.  Some weeks we've had more than one storm.  And we are setting a new record low for May 1 at 18F(-7.8C).  How special.

On the plus side, our pastures are looking nice and green.  And we're getting a good look at the birds as they swarm our feeders.  I've really enjoyed watching the male goldfinches molt into their Spring glory.  Of course, as soon as they are done molting, they will leave us until Fall.

April 11 - this one's just started the molt

 

April 17 - the one in front has some catching up to do!

 

 May 1

 

May 1 - just a few feathers to go

 

When they leave Moondance, where do they go?

Your place?