Winter Walks

tanjabrittonwriter 55 Comments

The recent sighting of green leaves pushing through the soil is a reminder that winter will soon come to an end and prompted me to share a few more wintry impressions. Colorado’s Front Range and plains have seen several rounds of snow since December and the entire eastern half of the state is currently out of drought (which, unfortunately, has not precluded a number of early wildfires, abetted by dry vegetation and fanned by strong winds). Many mountainous areas have also enjoyed at least average snow totals which is good not only for reservoirs but for communities and industries centered around winter recreation. (The feet of snow that dropped on California and Nevada earlier this week are proof that too much of anything is detrimental and I only wish we could dump some of that snow on the devastating fires in the Texas panhandle.)

Contrary to a common misperception, not all of Colorado is covered with a blanket of white for months on end. In this part of the state east of the Rocky Mountains, most of our frozen precipitation generally melts within days or a few weeks due to the sun’s intensity at an elevation that ranges from 3,317 feet (1011 meters) at the Kansas border to 6,035 feet (1840 meters) here in Colorado Springs.

Not all snow is created equal. At times it is heavy and laden with moisture; at others it is so light and fluffy that it seems to contain more air than ice crystals. One such dainty snow event in late January inspired a couple of walks to a nearby birding spot, reachable on foot from home in fifteen minutes, where I was rewarded with beautiful sights and avian encounters. A bank of clouds lingered in front of the mountains and no wind disturbed the sparkles that coated the blades of desiccated leaves and seed heads.

Undisturbed path

Snow-covered grasses

Don’t you just love the little mounds that, cowl-like, cover the former flowers?

Fluffy snow on thistles

Sunflower seed heads wearing snow caps

The fun of being the first to walk through fresh snow is only dampened by mild regret for disturbing the unblemished scenery. Other creatures’ footprints are suddenly made visible and speak of the secret goings-on that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Bunny Crossing (?)

Every once in a while, those who have left their marks aren’t shy to show their faces and help confirm their identity.

Cottontail Rabbit

We used to be told not to anthropomorphize, but I’m convinced—and if you have spent any time in nature you will likely concur—that many beings besides humans experience something resembling joy and exuberance. And why not, when one awakens to a crisp but calm winter morning with copious nourishment still to be found, with water for a drink or bath available in the still-flowing creek, with the sun’s rays warming one’s skin through fur or feathers.

What follows are some of the feathered friends who appeared as animated by the snow and clement winter mornings as I was. It’s these kind of moments that gladden my heart and—at least temporarily—soothe the sadness and anxieties that are part and parcel of being human today, in a country and a world that seem to grow madder by the minute.

House Sparrow, belonging to one of the never-in-a-bad-mood group of birds

Song Sparrow, whose kind sings even in the depth of winter

White-winged Dove, a species that has gradually extended its range northward from desert states

White-throated Sparrow, not rare but uncommon (and uncommonly handsome), and always special

55 thoughts on “Winter Walks”

  3. Such a lovely walk! And so close to where you live. I, too, enjoy seeing animal tracks in the snow, and what great pictures of those little birds. I sure hope the fires aren’t too bad this year.

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    • It’s so nice to be able to leave from home and walk to this place, Laurie, all year long. I have been trying to identify different animal tracks in the snow which is a lot of fun.

      I also hope the wildfires won’t be too bad!

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  5. Your opening landscapes with snow-covered paths leading to prominent fog banks are attractive.

    What does it tell us, if anything, that the word inclement gets used almost twice as much as clement? On the positive side, there have been people named Clement (and Clément and Clémence in French), but none I’m aware of who’ve gone by the name Inclement.

    I’m with you about “The fun of being the first to walk through fresh snow is only dampened by mild regret for disturbing the unblemished scenery.” Throughout my childhood in New York I never liked to see footprints disturb a spread of fresh snow. In my modern incarnation as a nature photographer that sentiment has carried over to certain sand dunes I’ve visited where I found it hard to get pristine pictures because of the seemingly ubiquitous tracks of people or sandboards or dune buggies.

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    • Thank you, Steve. The scenery and atmosphere shown in the first two photos obviously drew my attention. I might try to take photos of that view once a month and arrange them in a gallery.

      I don’t know if can derive any important conclusions about the rarer use of clement, but I doubt anybody would want to be called Inclement.

      Sand and snow, as different as they are, share some characteristics. While some tracks might be little attractive, it’s fun and challenging to attempt to identify animal footprints. I also like the wind-shaped patterns on the surface of sand dunes and snow fields.

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  7. The mark of a true nature lover is to be able to appreciate all seasons. I totally agree with your sentiment about undisturbed snow. Our time spent living in upstate New York and Germany provided us with a very special perspective on snow-covered forests and fields.

    It would be difficult to watch birds and animals for very long and not feel that they express something that must be related to emotions.

    Thank you for sharing your rewarding winter walks.

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    • Thank you for joining me on my wintry walks, Wally, despite not being a big fan of cold weather (Gini would definitely have needed a sweatshirt 😊). I’m glad we live in a place with four distinct seasons. The combination of fresh snow, blue skies, and sunshine is enchanting and quite unique.

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  11. Quote:”belonging to one of the never-in-a-bad-mood group of birds”. Excellent formulation. I have read somewhere, that birds are the only higher developed species that show no signs of depression. Maybe, singing or flying get them in a higher mood.

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    • Thank you for your comment. Maybe the fact that bird don’t experience depression is one of the reasons so many people love them. They are definitely antidotes to much of the human-caused mayhem.

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  12. All such beautiful captures, Tanja–especially your bird photos, though that bunny is pretty darned cute, as are its (or someone’s) little feet. I love the snow capped sunflowers! 

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    • Thank you, Tina, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. The little snow caps on flowers always make me smile.

      Your comment made me scrutinize the tracks once again and now I’m not sure they were made by bunny. I might have to substitute that photo.

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  16. Tanja, what a peaceful, poignant, and perfect post. Your words always lift my spirits. The undisturbed snow, the bunny tracks and bunny, and the exquisite captures of the bird put me in a good mood. I love your home state. “All snow is not equal.” What a lovely piece! Thank you for sharing the beautiful world around you! Nature is healing! 💚🏔️

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      • You’re welcome!
        I giggled at the “p” post~u think I may have one already?
        Yesterday I snuck out for a healing session in nature. I’m not myself without it! 🙏🏻🌿🥾💐🐿️🌅🦋🌻

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      • Aw, thank you, Tanja! I was reflecting on my posts these last 4 years~I giggle at my alliterative attempts! Russell says I’m the “queen” of them? Hmm. 🤔 not for sure if that’s a good Royal title to hold! I call it my “lazy” writing! ☺️😂💕

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  17. It’s very cool that you can walk to this beautiful place in 15 minutes! What a great way to change your mood on “one of those days” . 😉 Personally, I can’t help but to sometimes anthropomorphize the creatures I see–they seem to have such sparkling personalities!
    I loved seeing the White-throated sparrow, as it comes only in the winter around here, but, alas, I did not see it this year….
    Happy Spring!
    Julie

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    • Thank you, Julie. I’m grateful for this nearby birding hotspot and never know what feathered friends to expect. Sorry you didn’t get to see a White-crowned Sparrow this winter–there is still time! I love all sparrows but obviously the less common ones are always extra special.

      I wish you a happy start to spring as well.

      Tanja

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  18. Fluffy, airy snow is lovely – especially in your photographs of the thistle and the sunflower seed heads. I’m with you on the belief that animals can feel joy (and birds certainly sound like they do at times). I’ve watched a squirrel frisking and playing in spring – having a lovely time, and I often see joy in my cats, so why not other animals/beings too?

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    • Thank you, Ann. I always admire snowcaps on seed heads and try to enjoy them before the wind blows them off.

      I think most people who love animals will agree that they share more similarities with humans than differences.

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  19. This is truly a winter wonderland, where one might forget one’s longing for spring for awhile. Your feathered friends added to the cheerfulness in your report on your marvellous winter walk, Tanja.

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  20. I totally agree that other beings can experience what we humans describe as fun or pleasure. It is not for us to claim a monopoly on the joys of living, although – with the narrow-minded arrogance that characterises our own species – that doesn’t stop many of our fellows trying!

    I love your photos of the mounds of snow on top of the seed heads and thistles. These ephemeral creations are wonderfully delicate, and you have preserved their memory for us all to appreciate. Thank you.

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    • Thank you, Mr. P. A walk after a winter storm will always be among my favorite activities, and seeing every structure outlined and highlighted by fresh snow is a treat.
      I think everybody who spends any time with animals both domestic and wild knows that they aren’t so different from humans. Even biologist have come to that conclusion.

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  21. Wir erahnen hier jetzt gerade den Frühling, wenn auch mit kaltem Ostwind. Eure Sparrows kann ich immer so schwer unterscheiden und bestimmen. Der white crowned sparrow gelingt mir noch am leichtesten und ich denke dann immer an das tolle gleichnamige Lied von Tanja Tucker
    LG
    MAren

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    • Auch hier lassen sich Zeichen des Frühlings erkennen, doch es ist nicht ungewöhnlich, daß es bis April oder sogar Mai noch ab und zu mal schneit.
      Das von Dir ewähnte Lied habe ich mir zum ersten Mal angehört, ich kannte es nicht. White-crowned Sparrows (Dachsammern) gibt es hier den ganzen Winter über regelmäßig zu sehen, aber die verwandten White-throated Sparrows (Weißkehlammern) sehe ich nicht oft.
      Ich wünsche Dir einen angehmen März.
      Tanja

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  23. Your love of winter shows in your photos. Not everyone can convey cold and snowy weather with such warmth. It occurs to me that learning to ‘read the signs’ of the season — the various tracks, for example — is akin to learning to read the water when sailing; it’s the water that makes visible the presence of the wind, just as tracks make visible the presence of the creatures around you. It’s a wonderful post — thank you!

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    • Thank you, Linda. I’m glad you thought I conveyed the beauty of winter weather with warmth (I also loved your expression).
      Learning to read nature’s signs, be they written in tracks or water, can heighten (or deepen) our outdoor experiences. And help you survive in your sailboat, I suspect!

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    • Thank you, Karin. I do like winter, especially if it doesn’t last for months on end. What makes me sad is a lot of late snow or ice after trees have started to bud and flowers to bloom. Those storms are often quite destructive.

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