The Solar Eclipse has Arrived!

 

Eclipse, eclipse, eclipse...oh no, the sky is cloudy...wait, the sun is out and the sky is blue...eclipse, eclipse, eclipse. For those of us in the path of totality for this solar eclipse this will be the reality for the next few hours. We have chosen a spot with a sweeping vista to watch the eclipse and wait for Jesus' return, if the religious extremists actually have it right. 

As humans are wont to do, we have made this all about us, yet this is an event for all the of Creation and the critters along the banner of darkness that will sweep across the North American continent. For a lot of us there is a sense of portent and we are able to be informed and ask what this means, or could mean. For animals and birds it will be an interruption of circadian rhythms as the sky grows dark and the temperature drops. Will they be confused, will they be quieted? 

According to a New York Times piece: 

How animals will react to solar eclipses can only give hints of animal behavior because the relatively few studies of the topic are often conflicting. One study in 1560 cited that “birds fell to the ground.” Other studies said birds went to roost, or fell silent, or continued to sing and coo — or flew straight into houses. Dogs either barked or whimpered, or did not bark or whimper.

A study of the 1932 eclipse, which was thought to be the first comprehensive research conducted on the subject and included observations from the public, explained that it received “a good deal of conflicting testimony” from people who had observed mammals. It concluded that several animals showed the strongest responses: squirrels ran into the woods and cattle and sheep headed for their barns.

I appreciate that we are also being encouraged to engage with all our senses during the eclipse. What are we hearing and feeling as we move toward totality? 

Whatever we will see and experience, may the Creator be with all of Creation. If you do fall to the ground or start barking, please share!

Please excuse me while I check my weather app...