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 
Hi, My wife and I look forward to the Almanac each week. We live in rural Osage County and enjoy being outside. This year we have not seen the usual number of hawks. In fact we have seen none at all for over a week now. We are curious about what’s going on. Are we just not noticing them? Have they gone somewhere else? Is there a massive shortage of small rodents this season? Are other predators out-competing them? Have others noticed the same thing? We would appreciate hearing more about this mysterious absence. Thanks!
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You’re not the only one who has noticed this. Here’s a quote from a birder posted yesterday on the KSBirds listserv:
“I travel the state pretty frequently, and enjoy counting raptors on all of
my adventures. This 4 hour trip yielded 11 Bald Eagles (higher than typical
for me on this route), only 16 Red-tailed Hawks (much lower than typical),
2 Red-shouldered Hawks, 9 American Kestrels, and a total of 42 Northern
Harriers. They were apparently enjoying the high winds today. Seems like
this winter I’ve seen more male harriers than I have in years past.”
My guess is that hawks follow the waterfowl to a good extent, and with ice on area reservoirs, many waterfowl have flown further south. Apparently hawks don’t like to compete with the eagles, who are concentrated around what open water there is.
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Thanks. Informative.
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