Since I moved to Chicago about 20 years ago, I can't remember having this much snow on the ground for this long. It would snow, be pretty for a few days, and then melt leaving everything covered in a layer of depressing gray and brown. So for as much as this winter has been a … Continue reading A Yard Full of Snow
Category: Nature
Nest Cams
Over the winter, I have enjoyed watching birdfeeder cams (see previous post "Birdfeeder Cams"). Now that spring is around the corner somewhere, it's time to start following some of the nest cams. The first nest cam that I began following is the Ferris State University (MI) Osprey Cam. They've been streaming video of a nesting … Continue reading Nest Cams
An Icy Chicago River
This past weekend we were downtown and had a great view of the Chicago River that runs right through the heart of Chicago. With a winter like this, it's no wonder it's covered with ice. Even Lake Michigan has the most ice cover to date in 20 years. The ice in the river did make … Continue reading An Icy Chicago River
A Midwinter Walk
Between polar vortexes, my husband and I had a chance to go for a walk in one of our local forest preserves. One thing that that I find remarkable about the Chicago area is the forest preserve system. They are maintained by the individual counties, but their common general goals are to preserve open, natural … Continue reading A Midwinter Walk
Bullies at the Bird Feeder
By the title, you'd think I was talking about those pesky squirrels again. But not this time. This time it's an even more obnoxious bully, the Blue Jay. Despite how handsome they look, looks can be deceiving. They are the original "Angry Birds". My mom Peggy has a terrible time protecting her feeders, as well … Continue reading Bullies at the Bird Feeder
Squirrel Calisthenics
Anytime you put out a bird feeder, you are also bound to be inviting squirrels to your yard. So, I now have a group, scurry, dray, or whatever a bunch of squirrels might be called, who visit on a regular basis. I'm beginning to be able to pick each out based on their coloring and … Continue reading Squirrel Calisthenics
Hidden Nests
I am one of those that snoops gently around in the bushes in the spring looking for those secret nests. But, I'm not usually very successful, so one of the things I love about fall and winter is finding those hidden nests that were so painstakingly made and camouflaged so well. I am always … Continue reading Hidden Nests
Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
The other day, before the polar vortex descended into the Chicago area, Steve and I went out for a walk and lunch at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. The Arboretum is a real local treasure where we can always find something interesting every time we visit. Today we walked around one of the very … Continue reading Winter Visit to the Morton Arboretum
Sub Zero Window Art (It’s Cold Out There)
As the snow finally subsided, the temperatures dropped and the winds picked up. We went to sleep with temperatures already below zero and that was to be the high for the day. We were at -18 in the morning and it hasn't become much better. So of course I had to go out and try to … Continue reading Sub Zero Window Art (It’s Cold Out There)
Snow and More Snow
The last couple of weeks we have already had what feels like, and may turn out to actually be, a whole winter's worth of weather here in Chicago. The problem is, it's only early January. I grew up in the snow belt of Buffalo, so I should be used to this. But, over the last … Continue reading Snow and More Snow