Total Solar Eclipse

On a whim I met my brothers in Wyoming at Glendo State Park for the 2017 total solar eclipse. Our camp was within 500 meters of the center line of totality. Since I made the trip without much planning, I had only a video camera, DSLR with 400mm lens and no appropriate filters for looking directly at the sun. Because of this we were only able to capture images once the moon completely blocked the sun.

Total solar eclipse. Copyright: D. Joder

As the sky rapidly darkened, the white pelicans flew back to the lake to roost and the nighthawks began flying, looking for bugs. The air also changed, growing colder. The scene at totality was surreal. I felt as if I were in a sci-fi movie. When I looked at the sun I saw a dark black circle surrounded by expanding plasma jets. We could see stars and planets!

Hummingbird Nest Update

The little hummingbird continues to incubate her two eggs.  Based on information I’ve read the incubation period is nearing its end and soon her offspring will hatch.  In the meantime, she patiently sits and waits for her kids to crack open their eggs and begin begging for food.

Broad-billed Hummingbird on Nest. Copyright: Greg Joder.