Northern Flickers are found year-round across pretty much the entire United States. They are fairly large woodpeckers, 12” in size. At first glance you may think they are rather drab in color and pattern, but upon closer observation you’ll notice the bright red sash across the back of their neck, a thick black necklace on their chest, perfect little black polka dots, bars and crescents adorning their front and back, and bright yellow hiding beneath their tail feathers. It is important to note that there are variations to these colors and patterns depending on their location in the U.S.

You can visit the above link for more information on the Flicker or also I did a blog post previously about the first time we observed one of these interesting birds HERE.

My Gabby Rose is so small compared to the high drifts of snow.

Male Northern Cardinal in tree near feeders.

Northern Cardinal at feeders.

AND, I’m so excited that I got my first 12-Sided Snowflake photo today!!

I took over 100 photos of which here are 18 of my favorites.

My Backyard - Can you tell which way the wind was blowing the snow?

I have several photos of ice crystals on various objects. I think because everything was first so wet, then the wind blew and formed these gorgeous feathery miracles.

Ice crystals on dried up wildflowers from fall.

Lots of chipmunks are hibernating in this brush.

The sun made everything come alive with dazzle.

Again, wildflowers (I believe Asters) from fall, donned with sparkle.

Another photo showing the sparkling ice in the sun.

Can you tell I loved taking photos of how the ice crystals formed on the dried up wildflowers?! Just stunning.

This, I think, is my favorite...ice crystals on a Queen Anne's Lace wildflower. Looked like a magic wand.

Ice on a fox tail weed (at least that's what we call them)

Again, another magic wand.

The creek was flowing gently in some places.

And frozen in spectacular ice patterns in other places.

Another tree photo showing how the snow and ice is clinging to one side.

I hated leaving my footprints in this perfect landscape.

One last ice crystal on wildflower photo!

Whenever I’m talking about observing the details in nature in the winter time to help gain appreciation for all the seasons, this is exactly what I mean! I came back inside feeling in awe of our Creator God and His masterful display in nature, even in the midst of frigid cold winter.

There were beautiful patterns of ice in the creek. In places the water was flowing under the ice making bubbly sounds.

The trees even in wintertime are covered in green lichen. Some of them have fabulous patterns.

There are places in piles of leaves where the ice is not melted, still sparkling in the sunlight.

And dried up fall wildflowers still stand tall holding on to their seeds until spring.

Here are a couple more photos I’d like to share with you.

Hannah surprised me today by drawing me a sweet picture on the whiteboard with a super sweet message. It reminded me of the springtime to come! Do you notice the “o” in MOM is a leaf? She definitely knows me well!

And one more…I don’t think that any animal can get as cozy as a cat! Ah, the life.

Oh dear, I’m almost late in getting this post out! Can you believe that tomorrow is February? Where has January gone? Well anyways, I hope that you were able to get some good nature study time in during January, even if the temperatures were a bit (or a lot) chilly! The sun did finally break through the clouds and the blue skies returned after days and days of gray, that was an instant mood lifter.

So, onward to February nature. If you hibernated last month (like I did somewhat) there’s no time like the present to get back outside and enjoy God’s creation. Usually by February everyone’s starting to look forward to springtime (getting cabin fever), so I would encourage getting outside as much as possible and observing the details to find beauty and encouragement.

Here is my list of February Nature Notables to get you started. Some of these things may be repeated from last month, but many are new.

• Did you start a nature calendar in January? Be sure to keep it up through this month. Even if you didn’t start one in January, it’s always a good time to start any time of year.
• Whenever possible study and observe snowflakes, ice and frost.
• Hunt for animal signs and tracks in mud and/or snow.
• Chart the sun on the horizon throughout the month at the same time each day. Note how the position is changing (keep the Observing the Sun’s Position notebooking page if you’d like).
• Watch for sun or moon halos (this time of year is a great time to observe this).
• Spend time cloud gazing. Humidity levels are low in the sky giving a very clear view on certain days.
• Spend time at night star gazing for the same reason listed above.
• Search for beauty in winter, even on gray, drabby days look for details and give God the glory.
• If possible, put out bird feeders. This time of year they will greatly appreciate it and you will immensely enjoy watching them. Plan to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count coming February 12th – 15th!
• Observe wooded areas. While the brush is gone and leaves are off the trees you can get a great view of wildlife such as deer, squirrels and birds.
• Study and observe evergreens and conifers.
• We all know that February is all about LOVE! You could play this into nature by taking a hike and making a list of things that you find that you love in February’s nature; this would also help with the cabin fever and lack of appreciation. And/or find ways to “love” and take care of nature by feeding the birds and other wildlife, providing water, etc.
• Another way to help with cabin fever: planning/mapping a garden for spring, buying seeds, etc. Yep, we can officially say we can start looking forward to spring!!!
• Also now is a great time to have a Indoor Root Vegetable Tabletop Garden!
• Join the Journey North Mystery Class (starting February 1st!).
• Applicable Shining Dawn Books topics: Snow and Ice, Constant Conifers, Animal Signs, Captivating Clouds, Beautiful Birds.

Editing to add a couple more things:

Don’t forget February 2nd is Groundhog Day. A great time to study about groundhogs and hibernation.

On February the 28th there will be a Full Snow Moon – Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. – Might be a great time to study full moon names and their origins and moon phases.

Happy February Nature study!!

(this image is showing a huge black dot, it’s supposed to be a sun, but it appears fine when you download it!) Isn’t that ironic that we seem to be “missing” the sun a lot around here lately!! LOL

I’m fairly sure that it’s been well over a week now since we’ve seen the sun in our parts.  The only thing we’ve been sure to get though is cold rain. Ya’ll know I’m not one to complain about the weather, I really do appreciate all kinds of weather in all the seasons. However one thing I will surely start complaining about is when the sun goes missing for extended periods of time. And what’s worse is the forecast shows no hope for it’s return anytime soon.

I mean there is a scientific reason for missing the big yellow fella, he’s full of Vitamin D and just makes everything a little more cheery.

So, if you know where Mr. Sun has gone missing to, will you please report his whereabouts immediately? And send him our apologies for whatever we’ve done to upset him.

Until then, I’ll have to get my warmth and light from these.

This beautiful poem is excellent to read for vivid metaphors such as…”and swarming frost flakes fill the trees with billions of albino bees.”

Whenever we read poetry it seems to inspire art, so that is just what we did.

Hannah's Artwork

Mom's Artwork

On the subject of snow, here are my latest macro snowflake photos and one from our bird feeders.

Sectored Plate Snowflake

Stellar Dendrite Snowflake

Broken Pieces of Stellar Dendrite Snowflakes