Color

The last day of February, and Winter still has a hold on the land.  The landscape is white and brown  and gray, except for the occasional shock of bright red in a flock of cardinals at the feeder. Memories of color--greens, oranges, pinks and yellows--are recalled to mind and make one impatient for Spring.

Woodpecker

Last November  the red-bellied woodpecker came to visit the feeder, and was seen again just yesterday.  The insects it loves will be back in the Spring, but for now black oil sunflower seed tastes good.   The little birds must make way, but there is plenty for all. 

Still Winter

They say a storm is coming tonight. Doubtless this is not news to the deer, the coyote, the ground squirrel. The sky is already overcast; the birds are quiet, contemplating another big snow.

Drumlin

 

Retzer Nature Center lies a few miles to the east; you can walk the trails and see glacial formations and wildlife. Notice a babbling creek,  a hawk, some wildflowers.  One huge drumlin dominates:  from the top you can see miles to the east, west and south.

The grasses and flowers will come back later: this is the scenery in March.