Seasons of the Year
The seasons are our most visible expression of the great circle of life. We change as the weather becomes warm or cold and as leaves sprout green or turn red and fall to the ground. People tend to divide the seasons of the year by the weather, agricultural happenings and or events that repeat each year. As naturalists, we are often keenly aware of the nuances of change. As birds begin courting , raise babies and perhaps migrate as the weather grows cold, we sketch and take notes in our journals. The seasons are the result of the tilt of the Earth as it moves around the sun. As the northern hemisphere tilts toward the sun, we experience summer. As the northern hemisphere tilts away from the sun, we have winter. The Earth does this in a predictable way each year all the while spinning and traveling around the sun. Nature in SpringSpring begins with the spring equinox . And nature in spring is a time of births, rebirths and new beginnings. Nature in spring is so full of activity, we sometimes have to narrow our choices of what and who to observe.Nature in SummerSummer is when the sun reaches it's highest place in the sky on the summer solstice. In the northern hemisphere the Earth greens up and flowers unfolded and delight us with their beauty and fragrance. Nature in summer is life bursting forth.Nature in AutumnAs the sun dips low in the sky, on the autumnal equinox, fall begins. The first leaves began to lose their color weeks before to reveal deep reds, golds and bronzes. But, as the weather cools the color spectacular goes into full swing. Nature in Autumn is a perfect time for walks along empty beaches and watching migrating hawks fly overhead.And hurricanes bring much rain and high winds. The autumn moons of harvest and hunting signal the end of productive gardens and the beginning of the hunter's quest for meat.Nature in WinterThe sun is at it's lowest point in the sky on the winter solstice. It is a time of quiet and sticking close to home. It is a great time to learn how to be a naturalist. Nature in winter is minimal and pared down.Return to homepage from Seasons
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