As I mentioned in my previous post, Monday was my first visit this year to Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg. So far, we have had a reasonably mild winter and it was nice to be able to get out and walk around the Center instead of the usual, boring trek around the track at the local gym. They had cleared quite a lot of the growth on the prairie near the entrance and things had a much different look from the last time I was there.
Over by the lake, I noticed that they had replaced the viewing platform. It is much steadier now, which certainly helps when photographing the surrounding scenery.
Further along the path there was evidence of some freshly cut trees, no doubt victims of the high winds that we experienced just before Christmas. It’s somehow comforting to come upon the remains of an old tree that is no longer growing. I’m glad they left it there. It makes a good nesting place for the woodpeckers.
Walking up towards the farm, I was surprised to see this area open. It is usually closed off during the winter months. There weren’t any animals about, but the red barns always make a good shot.
On the path back to the cabin, there was another area that had been cleared of densely growing shrubs and undergrowth. It looked like they had installed a nesting box high in a tree. I’m not sure what they expect to entice there, something fairly big I imagine. Maybe a woodpecker or flicker.
At the little pond by the cabin, our three mallard ducks from the previous post were swimming around and generally enjoying the sunny weather.
The Nature of Things 
Looks like a beautiful day for a winter walk. 😊
It was very pleasant, especially considering it is only January. We have been lucky with the weather so far this winter.
Fascinating.
Well, we make the best of what we have close at hand, Cindy. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for taking us on you walk and for the nice shots you made.
Thank you. It was my pleasure.
Interesting landscape images, Sue! Must be beautiful when green.
Thank you, Indira. It’s surprising how quickly it changes, once spring arrives.
Winter waterways offer so much interesting details once you look past the brown. Great images!
Thank you, Monika!
Much better than walking round a track.
Yes, absolutely! Although I have to admit, the track makes a good standby if the weather is too cold, wet or icy for outdoor walking.
Good to have such a facility.
Lovely shadow pics with the tree shadow on the red barn and the curved fence shadows that follow the bend!
Thanks, Liz! I’m glad you noticed those, especially the ones on the path which I thought were quite interesting.
I love the blue sky and golden grasses and trees. I see it as golden others see brown. 😀
My thoughts exactly, Deborah. Thanks for stopping by.