Totality here! Free-range chickens did not break off from foraging until sun blocked. Light level still sufficient for seeing colors. During totality, which last barely under 2 minutes 28 seconds, all three hens and cock coalesced into one group and headed to area where the hens with chicks roost. Once on pavement the progression stopped. NONE went to roost, I repeat NONE WENT TO ROOST. Once light started to increase birds immediately went back out into yard to forage.
NONE of the birds in barn (free-range or penned) or those in cock pens went to roost. Song birds, cicadas and longhorned grasshoppers hushed only during totality. Juvenile Cardinals and Norther Mockingbirds ceased begging for food only during totality.
Kids wearing shades because their future is so bright.
Son taking a break from flying airplane.
Daughter messing with cat that sleeps through whole event.
Funky shadows evident in the woods although we do not check them out. Not enough time. About 90%.
Getting dark fast now. Kids actually taking notice. I am getting excited.
Just before birds start moving back to roost. They are about 35 yards away from roost.
Missouri Dominque hen a little closer from a different direction. She is starting to say uh oh.
Almost there. Chickens moving back to roost area by this time.
Totality with a camcorder.
As close as we get to the roost which was to the right of photograph view.
Game hen and Missouri Dominque heading back into yard.
Blanca dust bathing with only about 5% of sun back out from behind moon. Everything darker than camera recorded.
Make every effort to understand your chicken's biology and the environment that supports it.