Sunlight and Shadows – June Solstice from the Equator

June Solstice 2016 from the Middle of the World!

“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy. ” — Henry Ward Beecher

June 20, 2016 – Mindo (Rio Cinto) Ecuador

Unlike a large percentage of people who reflect on New Year’s Day, I prefer to hit the ‘Pause’ button four times each year on the days of the solstice and the equinox.   If possible, I record the moment the first rays of sunlight burst over the horizon, and I have been known to quickly vanish (from society) to record the sun’s placement at noon and at sunset!      During these moments, I try to block out all thoughts and merge with the rhythms of the day.   “The day” has yet to disappoint me!

“The Ridge”

150mm lens brings the ridge closer than it actually is!  I am eager to explore that area!

Because I did not leave half an hour before dawn to climb to the ridge behind the house, the sun spared me by waiting until almost 8 before it peered over that ridge! Sometimes words are an intrusion during pristine moments like this, so join me in a quiet salute to the sun!

7:43 AM – Good Morning Sunshine!

7:47

7:48

7:49

7:56

8:00 (A little birdie stopped by to say, “Good morning!”)

8:02

Lemon-rumped Tanager

8:08

8:14

Once the sun drenched the valley with sunlight, I captured a favorite ‘bromeliad tree’ that hosts toucans, quetzals and hummingbirds. The tree, btw, presides over ‘Quetzal Corner.’

8:34

9:15 – Back at the entrance to the house, I spent several minutes photographing this beauty!

Preparing a breakfast ‘to go,’ I walked the perimeter of the pond, fed the fish and restocked the corn at different bird-feeding stations.  The doves, pigeons and blackbirds appreciate the corn!

Why put out boring piles of corn when one can have fun with random rocks and cracked corn?!

After feeding the fish, I retreated to one of my favorite perches, where a cast of feathered friends flits in and our to say, “Good morning.”

(Photo taken last week – the toucans were bashful this morning, but they provided a soundtrack!)

Just before noon, I returned to the hillsite to record the sun’s shadow, though the camera-shy sun waited a few minutes before peering from the clouds.

12:02

12:04

Little pebbles will mark the spot until a better system is in place!

12:07

What did you do – (are you doing) – with your day of the solstice?

Thanks for joining me here in Ecuador!

LBB