"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
— Albert Camus
As I embark on my 19th year of nature blogging, the allure of winter birding draws me into a familiar yet ever-thrilling adventure. The landscape, adorned with its wintry tapestry of snow and patches of exposed earth, sets the stage for a scene I've witnessed evolve over nearly three decades. Sparrows, perennial favorites, grace this snow-kissed canvas with their varied species and intricate behaviors. Sparrows found during my opening outing were Song, Fox, Swamp, White-throated, American Tree, and Dark-eyed Juncos. Other birds included Brown Creeper, Pine Siskin, Horned Lark, American Kestrel, and many other resident winter birds. I was surprised to find that several Sandhill Cranes are over-wintering at the marsh. They're not going to be too thrilled about next weekend's cold-snap!
I deliberately transformed my vibrant captures into a more subdued black and white rendition. Wondering why the switch? Imagine a day where nature unfolded in shades of grey — the wintry landscape seamlessly merging with the muted sky. My goal was to immerse you in that peaceful ambiance, allowing each image to echo the tranquil essence of that winter day, where nature's grace wasn't just in the birds but in the harmonious monochrome canvas it presented.
Some scenes from Pheasant Branch ...
That's the drumlin in the background.
Black and white images strip away the vibrant hues of nature, revealing the essence that transcends colors. In the absence of chromatic distractions, it invites one to witness the raw poetry of existence. Each shade of grey unveils a narrative, drawing us closer to the silent whispers of the natural world. In this monochromatic symphony, nature speaks in whispers, inviting us to contemplate its profound mysteries without the allure of color but with depth of timeless wisdom.
Maybe I should do all of 2024 in black and white?
This year, the usually steadfast embrace of winter's chill upon Lake Mendota in Wisconsin appears to be wavering, a subtle departure from the familiar rhythm of nature's cycle. In recorded history, it has never not frozen during winter. The tranquil expanse, typically adorned in a glistening coat of ice during these months, presents a different scene — a reflection, perhaps, of the nuanced dance between climate and the natural world. While a singular year of a non-freezing lake might seem a curious anomaly, it beckons us to pause and ponder the subtle whispers of change that echo across our landscapes. Such shifts, in their quiet subtlety, often carry profound messages about the evolving heartbeat of our planet.
All images © 2024 Mike McDowell