Ken Lassman has been keeping this almanac for over a decade, He invites you to share your observations and photos in the comments section. You can find his book Wild Douglas County at The Raven Bookstore and The Community Mercantile in Lawrence.
Frost on Inside of Lodge Moon: January
Another name for this moon according to the Osage Indians of the area is Moon Stands Alone, which considering how cold it can be, makes sense as well. This is an excellent time of year to observe wildlife, though–because of the lack of leaves, the presence of snow or mud for leaving tracks in, and the tendency of many animals to move around in flocks and packs, Overwintering birds of many species gather into winter flocks, perched raptors looking for food, and the sound if not the sight of geese are regular sights if you spend much time outside.
This month is also a good time to learn different tree species by their buds, limb patterns and bark. It is also a good time to learn about the local geology using books like Rex Buchanan’s Roadside Kansas to determine the ages and names of various shales, sandstones and limestone outcrops along area highway road cuts.
The days are finally starting to lengthen, and winter sunsets are legendary in our part of the country, with the low angle of the sun lighting up the underside of clouds, setting the sky on fire at times. Cirrus clouds can create conditions perfect for sun dogs and other rainbow-like optical effects during the day due to the ice crystals. Blowing snow and clouds from snow showers can also create sun pillars near sunrise and sunset, where the sun becomes encased in a pillar of light caused by the light scattering action of millions of ice crystals.
Kaw Valley Almanac 
I hadn’t really considered soil temps and burrowing as Dawn and I were talking about how the ‘bunnies’ survive the cold last night. I have realized that the earth keeps the bottom of my little garden pond ‘warm.’ Amazing to me that the soil can insulate at even such shallow depths. I presume that the burrowing takes place before frost makes the ground hard?
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Yep, I think most animals are pretty hard wired to have a place ready to get into by the time extreme cold comes around, unless their strategy like grasshoppers and annual plants is to “plant the seed” in the fall and leave continuation of the species to the next generation. Birds have been known to burrow into snow drifts at night, using the igloo approach to insulation as well…. ________________________________________
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We are lucky to have a snow “blanket” during this bitterly cold spell. This is why we need some good hard freezes during the winter to kill off some of those grasshoppers.
Thanks for your almanac. I’ve really been enjoying reading it. I’ve noticed the lengthening daylight in the evenings. But as my Dad used to say (one of his many weather sayings): As the days begin to lengthen, the weather begins to strengthen.
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