Two nights ago, Spaceweather.com was showing some promise for northern lights. I watched for a couple of hours. At one point, they got pretty bright, I was getting excited about a big show. Then, they just faded away. I saw some photos taken in Canada that night and those were spectacular. I hope to see a good display before I head for Arizona.
Not much new to report. However, I have been doing some updating of the website and now have a URL with a secure address. What I don’t know is if the old links will still work. So, if you have me bookmarked, you may have to update. (UPDATE: after publishing this new post, I tested it with my old links and it seems to work OK). Some of the archery seasons are open now, at least elk season is. There are only eight archery elk permits for this area, so it hasn’t been a huge increase in traffic, but it is noticeable. On September 1, archery deer season opens, that may be more noticeable. I have been watching for migrants but haven’t seen much yet, except for some flocks of Common Nighthawks.
I was very optimistic about photographing the aurora borealis last night. Earlier in the day, Spaceweather.com and NOAA Spaceweather Prediction Center were forecasting a possible G3 class solar storm. Later in the day, that prediction was downgraded to G2 or G1. I went out and watched anyway, it was a clear night and the moon is rising later so the sky was dark. As soon as it got dark, I could see a glow in the north and then areas of brighter glow. To my eyes, it was not very impressive, but the camera caught good auroral activity.
I’ve been in Pierre since my last post. Now I’m back at the Slim Buttes. It was pretty hot in Pierre and not much cooler out here but that will be changing over the next few days. I am looking forward to cooler weather! On the birding and photography front, there hasn’t been much new. I got a couple of interesting photos while in Pierre.
