Sunlight & Seasons Signs of Fall: Observations for December Today's Reminder Includes: How the Season is Changing Outdoor Observations for December: The Shadow Knows! Resources to Explore Noon on the winter solstice. But where? Take a closer look! How the Season is Changing How do so many birds fly together, often quickly changing directions without bumping into each other? Each bird instinctively keeps a certain distance away from their neighbors. *Think, "The Wave" at a sporting event, for example. (Click for a larger photo.) Photo: PBS.org Autumn in North America is winding down, and the winter solstice is just 3 weeks away. The first snows have fallen. Brrr! Last month, sighters in many states reported seeing AND hearing large, noisy flocks of birds moving through. Why do they travel in such big flocks? One main benefit of flocking is safety. Multiple eyes can provide a valuable early warning system when predators are near. As the seasons change so do the birds' diets. When temperatures drop, insects disappear and earthworms burrow deep in the soil. This is the time that omnivorous birds turn to their vegetarian seed and fruit-filled diets. It may be time to think about putting up a feeder near your classroom. Find out what birds are hanging around and give them a free meal! Outdoor Observations for December: The Shadow Knows! During your monthly observations of outdoor changes, what have you noticed about the shadow of your meter stick, flag pole, or other object? Be sure to take a measurement at noon on the winter solstice: December 21. What do you think might happen to shadows after that date? It begins slowly. But check back each month, and you'll soon figure it out! Don't forget to add your December observations to your Signs of Fall journal, checklist, or handout (see Resources, below). Young people in Montreal, Canada wave to their shadows on the winter solstice! (Photo: Owen Rose) Resources to Explore Student Journal: Signs of Fall Handout: Watching the Seasons Change: Grades K-3 Fall Checklist: Grades 4+ Teachers: About Signs of the Seasons Share: Exchange Observations with a Partner! Report your observations! (Choose "Signs of Fall" or other events.) Maps: Signs of Fall / Other Fall Maps Handout: Signs of Fall: Clues About Seasonal Change Lesson: Exploring Sunlight and Shadows Teachers: Background Information Photos from Space: How is sunlight changing? Coming in January: Signs of Spring! A reminder will be posted on January 1, 2010

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