Nebraskaland

Jan-Feb 2025 Nebraskaland

NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.

Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1531661

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January-February 2025 • Nebraskaland 55 August The Sturgeon Moon In August, as summer draws to a close, the waters teem with the abundance of sturgeon, making it an opportune time for fishing. Hence, August's full moon is dubbed the Sturgeon Moon by Native Americans, who relied on fishing for sustenance during this time of year. It's a reminder of nature's cyclical rhythms and the interconnectedness of all life. September The Harvest Moon As the autumn equinox approaches, September's full moon takes on special significance as the Harvest Moon. Named by European farmers who recognized the moon's role in illuminating the fields, the Harvest Moon's bright glow provided ample light for farmers to work into the night, ensuring a bountiful harvest. This moon symbolizes abundance, gratitude and the fruits of labor. October The Hunter's Moon In October, as the nights grow longer and colder, the Hunter's Moon graces the sky, casting its silvery light upon the earth. Named by Indigenous peoples, this moon provided ample illumination for hunters to track prey and prepare for the coming winter months. It's a time of preparation and survival, highlighting the primal instincts of hunting and gathering. November The Beaver Moon As temperatures plummet and winter's chill sets in, November's full moon is named the Beaver Moon. The name originated by Native Americans who recognized it as the time to set beaver traps before the waters froze over, ensuring a steady supply of fur for warmth and trade during the winter months. The Beaver Moon symbolizes resourcefulness, preparation and adaptation to the changing seasons. December The Cold Moon Rounding out the year, December's full moon is fittingly dubbed the Cold Moon as temperatures plunge. This name underscores the harsh conditions of the winter season, with long nights and bitter cold prevailing. It's a time of introspection, huddling close to loved ones for warmth and finding solace in the quiet stillness of the winter landscape. While some of this information is common knowledge, much of the lore is from darksky.org, sci.news, snexplores.org and The Old Farmer's Almanac. Night Sky Ecology The moon plays a key role in Nebraska's animal behaviors. For nocturnal predators like owls, the moon's phases affect hunting. During a full moon, owls can spot prey more easily, but they also become more visible, so they may adjust their hunting locations or times. Small prey animals, like rodents, are especially vulnerable during full moons and often reduce movement or hide to avoid detection. Migratory birds, such as ducks and geese, use moonlight to navigate, continuing their journeys even after sunset. The moon also influences breeding. Some fish, like Nebraska's channel catfish, spawn around lunar cycles to time reproduction for optimal conditions. Amphibians like frogs and toads synchronize their mating calls with the full moon in spring, attracting mates across wetlands and ponds. The moon subtly guides these natural behaviors, shaping survival and reproduction in Nebraska's ecosystems. It's not just the moon — stars also play a role in guiding species across Nebraska. Migratory birds use the near-static North Star to stay on course during night flights, while dung beetles navigate using the Milky Way. This night sky ecology examines how natural light sources shape the behavior and survival of nocturnal animals, revealing how animals rely on the sky to thrive. y

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