Oko Wanci

Monday, Feb 22 to Sunday, Feb 28, 2021: high 52, low 16 gust 41 mph, moisture 0.04"

Saturday night was the Wingsprings New Year’s Eve, the end of our 17th year here. Today, February 28, is the first day of the 18th Wingsprings year. The first day of the Wingsprings year was established after we were able to determine which day the sun rises directly on the axis that runs from the Butte to center of the hocoka. To determine that day required that i be here and awake at sunrise, and that the eastern sky be clear of clouds so when the first rays of light illuminate the cockpit, it will cast a shadow onto the hillslope on the western side of the springs. When that shadow points directly to the Butte, then is when the sun has risen on the axis. That happens twice a year, February 28 and October 12. These are Wingsprings Sunrise Days, and the spring Sunrise Day was established as the Wingsprings New Years Day. So Happy New Year! The photo above was captured by the trail camera down by the springs on Tuesday at 8 am. It features two bucks locking their antlers. Mom and i were in the house that morning, and saw a couple dozen deers along the springs. These bucks almost certainly were among the ones we saw from the windows of the house.