7 ways to enjoy nature in the dead of winter
Winter can be hard on us nature lovers. No flowers blooming, no leaves on the trees, our favorite birds flown south. Some of us even miss bumble bees!
But cold, snowy weather offers its own beauty, inspiration and even charm. Here are 7 ways to enjoy nature all the way through the winter.
1) Look at the outlines of bushes and trees. Summertime overwhelms with its lushness: trees and bushes brimming with buds, then flowers, then leaves. Many people don’t even really see a tree until it’s fully leafed out. But take a look when it’s “naked.” You’ll notice an exquisitely shaped trunk, fascinating patterns on the barks, and interesting ways branches and limbs reach out to the sky. Winter is a great time for appreciating how extraordinary a tree or bush really is -- it’s when you can see its “scaffolding” unimpeded. Which also makes it a great time to climb a tree, by the way.
2) Get to know the winter birds. Sure, most songbirds head south once September hits. But what about our feathered friends that stick around? Or the birds that come down from the Arctic and don’t go all the way to South America, but instead opt for the middle reaches of the US? Here in the mid-Atlantic where I live, we can admire blue jays, cardinals, black capped chickadees.. I even saw a hawk at close range the other day. In fact, it can be easier to see birds in winter because they’re not hidden by leaves. Plus, birds like blue jays and cardinals are stunningly beautiful against the white of the snow.
3) Ski, skate, sled or snowshoe. As long as you’re warmly dressed, enjoy the outdoor activities you can only do in winter. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are great ways to get into the back country of an area, and it won’t be overcrowded, either. Enjoy new fallen snow on a sled. And if you’re braver (or more coordinated) than I, lace up your ice skates and glide across the ice.
4) Scout for foxes and deer. Depending on where you live, winter may be the perfect time to spot a fox or a deer. The bright coat of a red fox is especially beautiful against the snow.
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