“In the drizzle…the birds sheer off abruptly, but return to their place in the sky, held there like children’s kites.” ~ KPerryman, Bavaria, “Improvisation”
Raindrops & Windchimes; Photo:KFawcett
Today started out as one of those “maybe” days — maybe it’ll rain; maybe not. It sprinkled; the skies clouded over; and then the sun came out.
When you see raindrops illustrated — whether in a story book, a science book, or on the weather channel — they are always in the teardrop shape. Pretty, but not accurate. Raindrops start out round high in the atmosphere where the water collects in clouds. As they fall the bottoms become flat and the tops dome-shaped. They are anything but the classic tear shape. Raindrops bump into and combine with others as they fall and get bigger and bigger until, around four millimeters in size, the high speed of falling pulls them apart again into a multitude of tiny drops. You can follow a raindrop through the water cycle at the USGS site — Science for a Changing World.
With all the leaves still firmly intact on the trees my backyard friends stay dry in the drizzle.
Buzzy the squirrel enjoying his afternoon nap; Photo:KFawcett
Purple finch in the shade; Photo: KFawcett
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
I am a writer, traveler, birdwatcher, gardener, cook...and always a dreamer.
I love this post. I videotape rainstorms all of the time, even wrote a piece called “Rain” but I didn’t know the facts about the shape of a raindrop – thanks!
By: composerinthegarden on September 3, 2011
at 10:39 pm
Thanks, Lynn. I also enjoyed the videotape of hummers on your blog.
By: ktzefr on September 4, 2011
at 9:17 pm
I love the photo of the wind chimes — good job!
By: Kathy Kautter on September 4, 2011
at 11:34 am
Thanks, Kathy!
By: ktzefr on September 4, 2011
at 9:16 pm