An elusive and fitful parhelion of the sky at Wancourt, France. Imaged by Simon Lericque (atmospheric optics site). ©Simon Lericque, shown with permission.

Not all sundogs are a blaze of light. Seek out the subtle and delicate ones when cirrus streaks drift across the 'sweet spots 22 degrees (or more) to the left and right of the sun.

They can last for a few seconds or if longer alter and twist as the populations of plate crystals shift with the winds.

Those who seek see them every 2-3 days or so. Too many miss them all.