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 
In the last two weeks in my back yard in North Lawrence: In the daytime…. 4 ft black snake with dinner bulge came in my kitchen and refused to leave. swallow trapped in chimney base had to be freed. 3 ft lined garter snake swallows huge toad. At night in early morning hours….. Racoon raids birdfeeders at 2:00AM, possum plays vacuum cleaner under bird feeders late at night, A 3 ft. fox appears at 1:00AM and runs off with the woodpecker suet I bought for mama downy who brings her baby to eat finch food every day.
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Thanks for sharing such vivid imagery, Nancy. Around our place, we’ve seen box turtles laying eggs, a black snake crossing the drive, cowbirds probably laying eggs in the resident painted bunting nests (grrrr…), nesting cardinals, chickadees, downy woodpeckers, with the elusive yellow billed cuckoo calling in the woods, herons flying by around sunset and sunrise, the call of the nighthawk and chuck will’s widow frequenting the night, opossums and foxes raiding the compost but staying out of the chicken fenced garden, way too many ticks and chiggers. June is so alive!
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