Bees, Gulls and Cows, Is it going to rain?
Weather is perhaps the most decisive factor in planning a day out with nature photography. It not only sets the stage for any wildlife being out but also is a determining factor in my safety and comfort zone. In this modern era of scientific forecasting sometimes the weather just does not want to cooperate, so I must turn to other means in making my decision to venture out or stay home.
The old saying "red skies at night, sailor's delight, red skies in the morning, sailor take warning” is based on the weather moving from west to east and would mean that the moisture has passed with a red sunset.
With a red sky in the morning, the sun shines on moisture in the atmosphere at a low angle, therefore rain is possible. However rain actually reaching the ground and giving a good soaking occurs so infrequently out here in the high desert of the Great Basin U. S. The one factor that I can always rely on is the wind.
Seagulls or Inland gulls are sensitive to the slightest fluctuations in air and water pressure and can therefore respond to drops in air pressure just before a storm. Flying in tight circles, they adjust their sense of balance to the air pressure changes.
Gulls will also remain grounded when they sense that a storm is coming.
Flowers are known to give off stronger fragrances just before it rains due to a lowering of air pressure.
It has been noted by beekeepers that bees return to the hives before the rain sets in. This could be that they are also sensitive to the changes in atmospheric pressure.
I've always heard that cows will sit down when it is going to rain, I am not too sure if this is true or maybe they sit down in hopes that it will rain. One interesting theory about cows is that they can sense when there will be an earthquake which might be from their ability to hear on a much lower pitch than us.
Speaking of earthquakes, some people do confirm that dogs can predict an earthquake hours before it will strike. The incessant barking and howling of dogs in 1975 at Haicheng, China convinced the city to evacuate, saving at least 150,000 lives.
I think my favorite of all predictions or maybe it's a superstition is the one about rain coming within the day of a cat cleaning behind its ears.
As much as I love the rain, I sure do wish this weather forecast was more accurate. Or maybe I'd rather it not rain so much to make up for all the times that Skip cleaned behind his ears and it didn't come true.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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