These are the signs of the coming arctic winter：The color of the tundra changes as the water grasses turn brilliant red．The migratory birds gather in flocks along the coast and gradually drift southward．Most of the birds that have spent the brief summer on the tundra now disappear，leaving only the golden eagle，the gyrfalcon，the ptarmigan，and the snowy owl to brave the sunless northern winter．
As the lakes and ponds freeze over，a thin mantle of snow covers the sedge．Occasionally a young and inquisitive arctic fox may be seen loping across the tundra．The weasel and the lemming begin to change color；as the winter deepens，their coats will turn snow-white．
During the first week in August the arctic sun dips below the horizon for the first time since May——it has not set all summer long．The gold and purple sunsets color the subfreezing waters of the Arctic Ocean．
By the end of September or early October the tundra is dark and seems deserted；winter has taken hold of the arctic for another nine long months．
北极地区的苔原
这些都是北极地区冬季即将来临的征候：随着水草变成艳红色，北极苔原的颜色也改变了；候鸟沿着海岸成群聚集，并逐渐南移；在苔原度过短暂夏天的大部分鸟类现已消失，只剩下金鹰、白隼、松鸡和雪白色的猫头鹰来迎接这没有太阳的北极之冬。
随着湖泊、水塘全部冰封，蓑衣草披上了薄薄的一层雪衣，也许偶而能见到一只好奇的北极幼狐慢跑着越过苔原。黄鼠狼和旅鼠开始改变颜色，随着深冬的来临，它们的毛皮将会变成雪白色。
8月的第一个星期，北极的太阳自5月以来第一次沉入地平线以下——整个夏天太阳都没有落山。金色和紫色的夕阳把冰点以下的北冰洋水染成了五颜六色。
9月底或10月初，苔原是黑暗的，似乎是一片荒芜；冬天在长达9个月的时光中又主宰了北极。
