SKYWATCH: April 2022
By Phillip Virden: Lake City, Colorado Amateur Astronomer, Cooperative Observer for 30+ years for National Weather Service, Dark Sky Coordinator for Lake Fork Valley Conservancy
“Sun shines through the clouds peeping through the thawing soil one single snowdrop”
March Weather in Review
Average high temperature was 42.6 vs 44.7 historical average.
Highest recorded temperature was 65 on March 27th.
Average low temperature was 10.7 vs 13.4 historical average.
Lowest recorded temperature was -10 on March 11th.
Average mean temperature was 26.65 vs 29.9 historical average.
Total precipitation was .91 vs .95” historical average
For the second month in a row, Lake City had below average temperatures. A series of small 1” to 2” storms kept our precipitation at average. For the water year (Beginning October 1), Lake City has a total of 5.35” vs the historical average of 5.76”.
International Dark Sky Week & Lyrid Meteor Shower!
April 22-30 is International Dark Sky Week. Light pollution has far reaching consequences for humans and wildlife alike. Effective outdoor lighting (shielded) will direct the light down and not up. We can all do our part with putting shields, timers, motion detectors on our Lake City outdoor lights and turning those lights off when we do not need them. The International Dark Sky Association is collaborating with communities around the world to bring better, smarter, and more efficient lighting solutions.
To recognize Dark Sky Week, Lake City Skies will hold a stargazing session at Windy Point on Thursday, April 21 from 7:30 to about 9:00 pm. If conditions cooperate, we will enjoy seeing the spring constellations and possibly some “shooting stars” from the Lyrid meteor shower. The session is free to the public. Make sure and bring a comfortable chair and warm clothing.
April & Early May Sky at Night
As winter constellations slowly move west, the constellations of spring start to appear in the east. Spring constellations include Leo, Virgo, Hercules, and Corona Borealis. Not far behind will be the bright star Vega in the Summer Triangle asterism and the constellation Scorpius.
April 1 – New Moon
April 9 – First quarter Moon
April 16 – Full Moon (known as the Pink Moon; quite appropriate for Easter)
April 21/22 – Lyrid meteor shower
April 24-27 – Watch the waning crescent Moon “swing by” Mars, Saturn, and Venus in the early morning hours in the easter sky.
April 29 – May 2nd – Venus and Jupiter conjunction
April 30 – New Moon
Birding in Lake City
We are delighted to share Judy Boyce’s recent article in the Silver World. We look forward to having Judy’s birding expertise. Please note especially the scheduled outings coming up this spring and summer. Thank you, Judy!
Photo Credit: Judy Boyce
BIRDING LOCAL – Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)
(Article courtesy of Judy Boyce and the Silver World newspaper)
They’re baaaaack!!!! In late winter last year, I had a flock of 25-30 Pine Siskins at my home north of Lake City. One of our smallest finches, the siskins emptied socks of thistle seed and trays of sunflower seeds every day. And then as suddenly as they appeared, they disappeared. Siskins live in Colorado year-round, but that doesn’t mean we will see them at all times of the year. An irruptive nomadic species, siskins move in irregular, unpredictable ways in winter and during migration depending on many factors, one of which is the food supply.
This year I have a flock of 15 pugnacious siskins, who defend “their” feeders against Cassin’s Finch, an occasional House Finch, and sometimes against each other. It’s a war out there, but in the end, everyone gets a bite to eat. I must remember to start bringing my feeders in at night. Last year, Colorado novice bird feeder that I was, I lost two feeders to bears. Patrice Palmer, of Friends of the Bears, advises bringing in feeders on April 1st. “Don’t be an April Fool!” she told me.
An interesting fact about the sociable Pine Siskin is that unlike males of other songbirds that defend large nesting territories, the male siskin defends his female. Considered quasi-colonial nesters, usually in conifers, several nesting pairs can be found with nests within a few feet of each other. The males however forage in large groups while the female incubates or broods the young.
Save these Dates! Beginning this spring, the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy is sponsoring monthly bird walks to area hot spots. More eyes and ears find more birds and going out with fellow birders of all abilities and seeing birds in their habitat is a wonderful way to hone your birding skills. More details about these outings, will appear in the April issue of Silver World. Notices will be sent out via email (send me your email) and posted on Facebook.
April 22 Pete’s Lake
July 16 Slumgullion Earth & Sky Center
May 21 Pete’s Lake
August 20 Lake San Cristobal wetlands
June 18 Red Bridge
Send an email or call with your sightings, photos, questions, and favorite birding areas!
Judy Boyce
Lake Fork Valley Conservancy
aliazar@comcast.net 832-277-8203
Help protect Lake City’s beautiful starry night skies and TURN OFF YOUR LIGHTS TO TURN ON THE NIGHT!
Contact
If you have a question or would like to share information or your own photo, email Phillip Virden at starmanlakecity@msn.com