Winter Solstice: Shortest Day of the Year
By Corey • December 22, 2007 • 10 commentsToday, the winter solstice, December 22, is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. It is also, despite the quantity of snow on the ground outside of my house as I type this, the first day of winter. That’s the bad news. The good news is that every day from now until late June the days will get longer. In fact, I would go so far as to consider December 22 not the first day of winter, but the last day before spring!
That is, of course, if you believe that there are really only two seasons, spring and fall. I like this approach to the seasons as it means that December 23 is the first day of spring! I can already see the wood-warblers and flycatchers and vireos coming back! Ah, well, maybe I am deluding myself but, hey, the sun goes down at about 4:30 PM and I wish I was in the southern hemisphere right now. So for all those who, like me, are sick of cold and snow and dark (especially you Clare!) here are some pictures that will make you think of spring.
clematis blossoms
Mallard duckling
American Robin egg
female Ruby-throated Hummingbird
apple blossoms
Never fear, (actual) spring will soon be here! And in the meantime be jealous (and visit the blogs) of Duncan and Trevor!
Tags: Inspiration, seasons, spring, winter solstice
• Squirrels raiding your bird feeders? BUST THEM! •
Hope in these dark, cold days. Thanks for that taste of spring. But don’t forget to enjoy the Winter too. Or is it just easier for me to enjoy it because I have Anna’s Hummingbirds at my feeders all winter!
such wonderful photos and I make it through the winter knowing the warblers will be back in the spring! Yeah to more sunlight!
I’m here from tags of Technorati. As a new visitor, I’ll say hello all the way from Norway.
I’m not sure if I agree with you about the winter season and snow, but thanks for reminding us of the lovely change of the season in spring anyway
Spring and summer are over-rated. Warblers are a pain to look at, I much prefer winter birds which move (like me) much slower.
Hi Renny – glad to have you join the party! Your site looks excellent by the way. Have a happy holidays, and skäl to you and your family.
@Liza Lee: I can’t wait to be in California myself…
@monarch: Thanks! And spring is coming!
@Renny and Will: I guess living in the north requires some kind of coping mechanism.
Aaah – summer in Australia. Christmas Day in my part of the Land Down Under was 28C (82F), bright sunshine, no clouds and a gentle breeze. It doesn’t get much better than that.
I am doing a prestation on the shortes of the day
Hello. I live about 2 hours north of Toronto, Ontario just south of Georgian Bay near Owen Sound. I recently saw three Sandhill Cranes in a wetland on my property. In all my years of birding, I have never seen Sandhill Cranes anywhere near here and my guide book shows that they follow mostly western migration routes. I’m not sure if seeing Sandhills is a rare event or not and am curious to hear if anyone else has seen them in the east or central-east regions of Canada or northern USA. Thanks so much, Heather
I like your photos.Congratulation. Ana Lucia, from Marília- Brazil.