SHADOWS OF THE ELDERS RUDDY DUCKS (OXYURA JAMAICENSIS) I reached the trailhead before

I reached the trailhead before 5:00 am

I had been photographing the wildflowers and sunrise for about forty five minutes now when this scene unfolded

A beautiful winter sunrise brings fascinating colors from the cool temperatures that were an incredible -28F on this frigid January morning

This image of a paper birch tree was photographed a couple weeks ago during some of the snow storms we had here in Northern Illinois

They were moving about the branches like they were having a good time but

SHADOWS OF THE ELDERS RUDDY DUCKS (OXYURA JAMAICENSIS) I reached the trailhead beforeAn overnight snowfall of 3 5 inches blankets this midwestern prairie landscape scene along Eakin Creek West, with the shadows of box elder trees lining its banks on this cold winter morning at Wildflower Park. (540 74)