Tiny Ice Birds Rising From Water, a Poem About Ice Crystals and Sun Dogs

Abstract:

This poem was inspired by the numerous observations of frost and sun dogs that be seen only on the coldest days of winter. Most observations were made on the shore of the St-Francis River, which flows besides the campus of Bishop's University in the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Sun dogs typically occur in January or February, when morning temperatures are below -25C, the sky is clear and the sun is low on the horizon. Ice crystals also form spontaneously in the humid air over the river water that is "warm" in comparison with the cold air above. A spectacular frost covers all trees, and the general landscape appears magical with ice crystals flying all around.

While sun dogs are usually created by cars driving by and projecting dust and snow into the air, most parents driving their kids to school probably miss them, as they are in a rush to get to work. A slow form of commute, such as walking, favors the observation of sun dogs, even though it has been proven that walking speed is inversely proportional to the air temperature. Walkers might also be looking downward, watching for ice on the sidewalk as not to slides off the sidewalk and under incoming cars. The need to wear a heavy coat with a hood is another hindrance to the observation of sun dogs.

Finally, a sun dog is a short-lived phenomenon that is missed by most students as it usually occurs shortly after sunrise, hence before the earliest class which is at 8:30 in the morning. Frost lasts longer but it is “burned” by the sun and does not linger very long either. Some might say the “the early bird gets the worm”. I would instead conclude that: the early riser can hear the sun dog bark”.

This is not the actual poem, but rather an explanation of how observations that lead to its creation were made.