Winter Wonders

After a week of artic weather, we began wondering why we live in Wisconsin. The cold weather was brutal on our homes and hearts but now we can see the beauty again of snow laden landscapes and warming up with winter activities.

Some of the  reasons why we should honor winter -

It will kill off a large number of insects that would otherwise drive us back inside our homes in the summer. There's speculation that it will help hold the emerald ash borer in check for the season while infected areas are able to respond. No big poisonous spiders in Wisconsin.

We may be able to catch a glimpse of the Snowy Owl, these artic visitors come down from Canada, it's breeding ground, to search for food. It's favorite lemmings. They've been seen before in our area so keep an eye out for these birds especially at dawn and dusk. They are diurnal hunters so they can be seen during the day or night searching for food. Check in open areas on the ground that resemble artic tundra landscapes.


Eagles remain in our area hanging out by open waters of the Mississippi River. It's easier to spot them in the trees without leaves and you can often see hundreds out on the ice fields of the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge.

Without winter we wouldn't have the beautiful spring blooms of lilacs and tulips. Remember many plants want to rest for the winter season for a spectacular spring showing. And don't forget the lovely fall foliage we take vacations to see before winter arrives.


Northern lights are viewable even in Wisconsin. However we do need a clear sky. Recent solar flares predicted a show but it was overcast for those nights. Full moons, snowy landscapes along with holiday lights makes night time even brighter when the days are shorter.

Well I hope I've convinced you it's not all that bad to weather winter in Wisconsin.

I just have to keep telling myself too.