Another crescent moon

The moon caught my attention from the bedroom window. I enjoy noticing changes in the moon; I never used to before doing full moon hikes!

The shadow, not clear in this image, reminds me of the full moon to come.

This time of year, the night air is still, without many sounds, a contrast to the abundant sounds of insects that fill the air from late spring to fall.

If I were outside, and listened closely, perhaps I'd hear the sounds of a field mouse rustling in the leaves, or the almost silent 'whoosh' of an owl hunting.

A crescent moon

Tonight's crescent moon is bright in the night sky, with a planet or star visible to the left. I wish I knew more about astronomy, planets and the constellations, but it's always seemed so remote.

August crescent moon

Plants, animals, forests, meadows, gardens, and streams seem so much more immediate.

I like to think, though, of the rhythms of people and wildlife that are much more attuned to the night sky than I am. Migrating birds and insects are able to follow cues detected from various sources, supporting their night journeys. People living close to the land, and not detached as so many of us are, traditionally observe not only the change of seasons, but the cycles of the moon.

Summer

Coming home after dinner with friends, it was a perfect summer evening in the South. The air was humid and heavy from the afternoon thunderstorm, and the crickets and other insects well underway with their evening songs.

The crescent moon was high in the sky. My camera 'saw' the entire moon as well as stars that I couldn't see.

Sunrise and crescent moon

I looked out the breakfast room window this morning and caught a glimpse of the crescent moon framed by clouds tinted a rich purple by the sunrise. By the time I took this picture, the color had faded somewhat, as the light brightened.

It reminded me of sunrises in the tropics, as we seldom have such vivid early morning color.