We finally got our first measurable snowfall this (Saturday) morning in southeastern Wisconsin.  Every season has its beauty and its purpose and winter’s is being fulfilled now.  Winter is a time (here) of Snowy Owls, Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Shrikes.  The foxes and coyotes show off their finest winter coats.   A snowfall on a winter’s evening brings a cleansing quiet to the land.  The morning after the storm brings photographic art to the nature photographer.  As nature photographers we are merely translators of an important and profound message.   Nature’s blessings make every season a time to be outside.

“I’ve always felt that there is a time in life to step outside of who you are, and discover what you have missed”

I have lived as much of my life as possible in the out-of-doors.  I certainly can enjoy the warm (or cool) comfort of a cozy home, but given a choice, I usually found each day worthy of some “outdoor time”.    I have hiked, climbed and camped my way through the country and the wilderness.   For much of the last 25 years I made pictures along those trails, and anywhere else that seemed rich with the bounty of nature.  I have spent a wilderness night in a dark forest being serenaded by the howl of the timberwolf, and I have awoken to find my campsite glistening with a fresh new snow. I have had the most blessed of lives.  While I have never been foolhardy, I have always believed in living now.  I have, and am now paying a price for that philosophy.  It was worth it.

“We live surrounded by miracles.  We may not recognize them, but we witness them just the same……the rising and setting sun, the spinning earth, waking after sleeping……and, relying on their sameness, we cease to wonder that they occur at all”  Our Father’s World….Yvonne Wallace Blane

Today’s pictures are only meant to express my own personal love and gratitude to the natural world.  Nothing less and nothing more.

Bighorn Rams

Natural Art…Morgan Falls

Bald Eagle and Ice

The name Barn Swallow always sounds to me like they should be a clunky old bird akin to a chicken.  Actually this little bird is a colorful, artful delight.

Mature and immature Milkweed Bugs.

Pronghorns on The Prairie

Goodnight from the prairie.