Brrr. It’s been eight years since I learned about (and wrote about) the way a weak and rambling jet stream (caused by climate change) leads to extended periods of extra warm or extra cold weather. During particularly long and severe cold snaps like the one we’re currently experiencing, that knowledge works its way back into my consciousness and is strangely comforting. Understanding why something is happening makes me feel better about it. I guess that makes sense?
The photos I’m sharing in this post were taken before the sub-zero temperatures moved into the neighborhood this week. We’ve had something like 20 inches of snow over the last several weeks. I’ve tried to get a out a few times with the camera but the light hasn’t been great and I’ve had other responsibilities that have limited me. Regardless, the hiking I’ve done has been really pleasant. Fresh air is always great and snow makes all hikers into detectives – trying to read tracks and other clues and discern what’s going on around them. Here are a few photos I’ve managed to take over the last couple weeks.
The Prairie Ecologist 
The last one is just a test to see if we’re paying attention, right?
Ha! Nope, that’s just ME not paying attention… I fixed the caption. thanks for catching it and letting me know!
I thought sure it was to see if we read to the end. ;-)
Nice winter plant pics!
Brr is right here in Kansas, with, sadly, less snow. :-) Enjoyed your snow walk pics!
Outstanding!
What really impresses me is how birds can survive in the cold and snow.
Most have of course migrated, but some stay. Very impressive indeed.
Believe it or not, that’s what a good bit of Texas looks like right now — or is going to shortly. Even here on the coast we’re in line for freezing rain, sleet, snow, and temperatures in the 20s. It’s making me admire your photos and your determination even more.
Winter seedheads are one of my favorite things to photograph. I particularly like the gumweed; we don’t have anything like it that I can think of here in New Jersey. And, amazingly to me, we’re topping your total snowfall levels by a good bit; I believe we are at 30 total inches now, with about 14 still on the ground.