The full moon of Thursday, Aug. 27 coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. As the moon rises in our skies that evening, the eclipse will begin at about 7:39 p.m. and reach its peak at 9:12 p.m., completing the cycle just after midnight. As always, we hope the fog clears for us to see this natural wonder. It’s the Hazel moon in the Celtic calendar, corresponding in West Marin with nuts forming on hazel trees. These nuts are called “lootah” by Coast Miwok people.
California bay laurel and coast live oak trees are also forming nuts. Bay nuts are now small lime-green balls, their outer fleshy coating later turning to deep purple. Dime-sized live oak acorns are just pointing out of their smooth cups on their prickly-leafed trees. Typically, both types of nuts will ripen by the end of September.
Subtle reminders of seasonal change surround us. Sunrise is a bit later each day, and the dawn chorus of birdsong is quieter, as the breeding season is over and bird song is related to defending nest territories and attracting mates. Some birds will soon begin their annual migrations to warmer winter lands in Central America.