Today, September 22, 2018, the Sun crossed the celestial equator and marks the first day of autumn. We celebrate two equinoxes, one to mark the beginning of Spring and one to mark the beginning of Autumn. Equinox literally means “equal night.” And during the equinox, most places on Earth will see approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night.
On Sept. 22 at 9:54 p.m. EDT, the sun will cross the celestial equator, or an imaginary line that projects Earth’s equator into space. At this exact moment, the Northern and Southern hemispheres will receive an equal amount of sunshine, and the length of day and night will be approximately equal around the world — hence the term “equinox,” which is derived from the Latin phrase meaning “equal night.”
To learn more see Astro Bob’s Blog at Fall. Some of this information was taken from Space.com Space. Also go out to wikipedia to learn more. Click here: September Equinox
OoO-A few photos I took today while on a bike ride, while enjoying this first day of Autumn. What did you do today to celebrate the September Equinox?
Canada Geese enjoying a rest. Some are probably getting ready to migrate.
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A guess some will stay.
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Mehaffney Park. Fall colors haven’t arrived yet at 5,000 feet. Our home sits on the hill in the background.
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A bug enjoying the warmth of the sun on this first day of Autumn. Taken in my backyard.
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This bush is showing some cooler weather changes. Our lows have been in the mid 40’s.
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Easing into fall.
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Some bushes are announcing their fall arrival.
Welcome to Autumn. Enjoy!
And, here is what Scrubby is doing on this first day of Autumn:
Fall migration must be happening. Just this week I am seeing small flocks of birds in the yard, which weren’t here during the summer months – Robins, House Sparrows, and Black Birds.
OoO-Also, seeing:
American Goldfinch, Downy Woodpecker, Red-Shafted Flicker, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Black-Capped Chickadee, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Bushtit, Blue Jay, House Finches, Common Nighthawk, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird
OoO-These tiny hummingbirds need to get going. I have enjoyed feeding and watching them all summer.
There are lots of web-sites that track the Hummingbird’s spring and fall migration. Here is one that is gearing up to track their fall migration. Journey North
Here is another one with color-coded, migration maps and great information on the Hummingbirds. Hummingbird Central
OoO-Of course my Western Scrub Jay is still around.
Scrubby isn’t looking scrubby any longer.
OoO-For the last several days, I have observed this young Spotted Towhee feeding at the feeders. He/She is maturing nicely. It was looking pretty scraggly in its young feathers. Not a good photo, but you can see the colors starting to come in.
Spotted Towhee
Fall is coming. Take some time to enjoy the birds in your area and be on the lookout for ones passing through. If you can, assist the Hummingbirds on their way south by putting out feeders.
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Wolf Song Blog 