Summer Solstice

June 19, 2020 by Team Journey North
"We started losing stars mid-April. We clearly started seeing objects on the horizon the first week of May. Soon we will be able to legally drive without headlights (civil twilight)." Submission by: Howard (Girdwood, AK; 05/20/2020)

Signs of Summer

Hot and humid weather, lush vegetation, and flourishing wildlife: summer is at the doorstep across North America. What are you observing? 

From Union, MO: Bill shared, "he [Indigo Bunting] is back for his 2pm feeding and I finally caught him with my camera. I do believe there are still two Buntings in the area." (06/02/2020)

From Newburgh, IN: Amy said, "the dahlias have started to bloom." (06/05/2020)

From Tulsa, OK: Holli noticed her, "first black swallowtail Caterpillar of the season on a fennel plant." (06/16/2020)

Report your Day Length (Photoperiod) and Your Sign of Summer

  • Step 1: Look up your sunrise/sunset for June 20 using Google or other internet search engines. 
  • Step 2: Calculate the length of time between sunrise and sunset. 
  • Step 3: Report your day length for June 20.
  • Step 4: Explore the sunlight map.
  • Step 5: Share and compare seasonal observations with people across North America.

 

Note: Summer is almost here and so is Pollinator Week. From June 22-28 and until August, Journey North will celebrate pollinators, specifically monarchs and hummingbirds. 

Read Pivotal Pollinators: Small in Size, Large in Impact to find out more about the importance of pollinators and why Journey North will celebrate Pollinator Week not just June 22-28 but all summer long.