I know I have already done a post in the past about sundogs (although at the time I thought it was a rainbow), but I just had to post another photo because this one was taken with my iPhone 5s. It has been absolutely frigid here this week with temperatures as low as -30C, and that’s without windchill. As a result, I have had no desire to take any photos because you all know by now that I absolutely hate the cold!!
So, when I started down the highway to work yesterday and noticed this beautiful sundog straddling the highway, I didn’t have my DSLR with me. I know – shame on me!! I usually carry it with me everywhere. I did, however, have my iPhone 5s, so I thought I would brave the “freeze skin in seconds” temperatures and give my iPhone’s camera a try. I found out very quickly why I prefer the viewfinder on my Canon Rebel to the touchscreen of my iPhone. As you will see from the photo, the morning sun was incredibly bright, and holding up the iPhone in front of my face I realized I couldn’t see a damn thing on the screen. So, I just held it up where I thought a good capture would result and snapped this picture. This is straight out of the iPhone with no editing done at all, and I must say I’m pretty impressed by the outcome.
According to about.weather.com, “a sundog is produced by refraction of light through ice crystals. When the sun is near the horizon, a sundog appears as brightly colored spots on either side of the sun.” Have you ever heard of a sundog before?
photos from the loonybin 
Yes I have, and that is a beautiful “dog”
Thanks Jeff :). My hubby saw one on the way home today too, but I guess I missed it. It’s funny how I had never heard of them before in my life, and now we are seeing them quite regularly.
Ha, it’s just like buying a new car. You never really notice the brand/model until you buy one. Then you see them everywhere. The trick is to see one in the right setting when you have your camera with you. 🙂
The car analogy is an excellent one because that has happened to me more than once. I think I’ve learned my lesson now – I must never, ever leave my camera at home!!!
Wow. Super cool!
Thanks :). It was incredible to see.
saw the one today as I was driving down the 401 heading home….. lasted for a very long time
Oh my, we were both driving when we saw them. Good thing we didn’t have an accident because they are rather distracting aren’t they? LOL
Wow! I have never heard of or seen a sun dog Cindy. Your shot is phenomenal! 🙂
Thanks Dor :). I hope you get to see one someday because it is truly beautiful.
I’ve seen sundogs a few times, and compliments are due for your being able to witness and share this. Dare I venture to speculate that Frances has heard your request (and my approval) to borrow her talents ?
Oooh, I never thought of that :). Frances is wonderful just like you said. Thanks Gary!!
Ja, sure!
Never heard of it, never seen one… and I would love to see it IF it wasn’t so darn cold… so will I ever see one..?? NO, too cold…
You can keep the dog we will have the sun
Sounds like you feel pretty much the same about cold weather as I do :). YUCK!! As I sit and eat my breakfast this morning, the weatherman is telling me that although the temperatures are starting to rise a bit, our weekend is going to be horrible with blowing snow and bad driving conditions. I guess we’ll be hibernating this weekend!
Good job, Cindy. It almost looks like you hand-held a thin filter in front of your phone’s camera.
Speaking of (sun)dogs, I watched a television program last night about coywolves, which have come into existence as the result of eastern wolves mating with western coyotes. That apparently first happened in Algonquin Park, Ontario, and now there are coywolves in many parts of northeastern North America, including Toronto. The website for the television program is:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/meet-the-coywolf/meet-the-coywolf/8605/
Wow, that is fascinating and actually quite scary considering they are bold enough to go right into Toronto. Unfortunately, I couldn’t watch the whole video because it is restricted to US viewing, but there was a write-up and pictures. The babies are soooo cute, but I don’t think I would consider them so cute if I found the adults walking through my backyard. We live almost 2 hours NW of Toronto in a rural area, and we can often hear coyote howling at night out behind our house. Now I wonder if they are actually coywolves. Thanks for the info Steve :).
I’m sorry that the television show is embargoed in Canada. I had no idea that happens.
Here are a few more links about coywolves:
http://www.coywolf.org/coywolf-basic-info/
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-22/coywolves-spook-towns-stealing-dog-toys-review.html
http://www.easterncoyoteresearch.com/livingwithcoyotes/
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/02/08/coywolf-susan-fleming-film_n_2567531.html
Thanks Steve 🙂
just from you – I am learning every day
Hey, that means my blog really has a good purpose. Thanks LouAnn :).
your blog has a wonderful purpose–it is entertaining, funny and you bring us all together every Friday
You just made my day :). Thank you!
Wonderful capture.
Thank you so much :).
ooooh, the big reset button in the sky. Nice picture though 😉
What a great idea! Can I reset back to summer because it’s just too damn cold :).
Yep, but you’ll need a very long pole. Best of Luck 🙂
Yes I will. Thanks :).
That’s very cool! My friend the TV weather guy would love this as well.
Thanks Phil. You should tell your friend to take a trip to the Loonybin to see it :).
I have seen sun dogs before because I live in a part of Canada where the temperature routinely goes to -30 degrees, but I have never seen one so close to the horizon! This is a beautiful shot Cindy! Sun dogs are supposed to predict even more cold weather to come unfortunately!
Well, the sun dog was correct because tonight it is freezing, and we are under a blowing snow warning. They are closing highways all around us. Good thing I went grocery shopping on the way home because I don’t think we’ll be going anywhere this weekend!
Outstanding photo!
Thank you so much and welcome to the Loonybin :).
phaenomenal!
Thanks :). It was amazing to watch, that’s for sure.
Beautiful 🙂 Never heard or seen one but looks amazing !
Thanks! I just wish it wasn’t so cold out when they appear so I could experiment more with photographing it, but one or two shots and I was ready to get back in the car :).