Kaw Valley Almanac
Note from the Times: The Kaw Valley Almanac is a contributed piece that runs each week. Find more information and older editions at kawvalleyalmanac.com, and follow @KVAlmanac on Twitter.
this week’s Almanac
Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 23-29, 2024
Here is a wide angle sunset photo taken on the winter solstice, when the sun is as far south on the horizon as it will get. The horizon point of sunset/sunrise will slowly start moving north.
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Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 19-25, 2022
With super cold, snowy, windy conditions predicted this week, be sure to help overwintering songbirds survive by putting out plenty of bird seed. Don’t be surprised if you live in the country if wild turkeys, opossums and even a deer or two show up to grab a little snack to stay warm, too.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 12-18, 2022
Much of the state has experienced foggy weather of late, without much precipitation.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 5-11, 2022
Winter is full of unexpected opportunities for observing changes and scenes that you will never see in other seasons. Dress warmly and start looking around you!
Kaw Valley Almanac for Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, 2022
Poison ivy is easy to identify even after the leaves have fallen, distinguishable from other vines by the white berries, which are a much sought after food by many birds. Don’t try them, though: poison ivy berries will give you a rash!
Kaw Valley Almanac for Nov. 21-27, 2022
Milkweed seed is dispersed to the wind by tufts of hair called “floss.” During World War II, more than a million lifejackets were stuffed with the floss for soldiers, and it has also been used for coat insulation.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Nov. 14-20, 2022
These blackbirds are taking off after the sun has slipped below the horizon, having collected in this tree for at least an hour. It’s not uncommon to find flocks gathering in the same tree or stretch of powerline day after day, even year after year.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Nov. 7-13, 2022
Clear skies and trees cleared of their leaves after recent rains make it easier to spot migratory geese and other birds either passing through or leaving. Strong southerly winds may back them up as they wait for north winds to carry them south with less energy expended.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022
As prairies fade at the end of the season, there are still some colors to be found, such as the lingering goldenrod in the upper right hand corner. Taking photos from above will also reveal the incredibly varied textures and beautiful shapes lying within.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 24-30, 2022
With most bodies of water well below normal, shorelines have become pathways well worth exploring.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 17-23, 2022
The sycamore leaves are dropping away, revealing the white barked limbs that will make them easy to spot in the winter. Their white figures typically line creek and river beds; look for the large nests built by herons in the biggest trees.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 10-16, 2022
With the continuing drought, tree colors seem muted as is evidenced by the trees in the background; however, the sumac at Prairie Park Nature Center didn’t get the memo! Colors or not, this coming weekend is Baldwin City’s Maple Leaf Festival — check it out and take a walk with a friend, too.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 3-9, 2022
Some goldenrods are still blooming, attracting a northern paper wasp on the right. These wasps are omnivores and this one clearly likes carbohydrates!
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2022
Asters of many color have begun to bloom across the state, including these purple New England asters, which also bloom as far west as the Plains states and as far south as Mississippi.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 19-25, 2022
Monarch migration is in full swing, though south winds this past week have made it difficult to move ahead. This monarch was finding refuge in some goldenrod.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 12-18, 2022
This gayfeather/blazing star can be found blooming into October. Its flowers attract many types of bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds, and other birds like its seeds in the winter.