Wilson’s Snipe resting in snow – Nikon D300, f10, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two years ago today I photographed this Wilson’s Snipe resting in snow at Farmington Bay WMA, it was bitter cold and snow covered the ground. It had been cold for weeks by then and snow was falling regularly. Lots of snow actually.
Today it is predicted to be nearly 60°F in Salt Lake City.
This is beginning to feel like a repeat of last year where there wasn’t much snow until around Christmas and even then it was sparse compared to the snow fall of the previous five years. Yes, we have snow in the mountains and even some down on the benches. Tooele County got about 8 inches of snow a few weeks ago. We got a mere dusting.
Last winter was one of the warmest on record for this area and my concerns are that this winter might be just as warm. I have seen forecasts that say the El Niño should be bringing us more snow this year but that has not happened yet.
I hope we get the snow because we sure need it to fill up the reservoirs when spring run off happens. We need it to put more water into the Great Salt Lake which is drying up.
So I ask for the second year in a row… where is the snow?
Life is good. Right?
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wilson’s Snipes photos plus facts and information about this species.
That is a glorious image.
The weather? Scary. We are too hot on this side of the world, and it seems you are too. Some world-wide weather moderation would be v nice.
Hi! I will do a snow dance for you and me, too. I want some for Christmas here in Va. also! Let’s see if it works? Love mom
We did get some needed rain the other day and the forecast calls for snow on Sunday. But I share your concern about another wimpy winter affecting our water reservoirs. El Niño delivers increased rain but it depends on which part of Utah the jet stream is over—usually north or south of us and we get little or none where needed. And of course climate change isn’t helping.
Hello Mia’s Mom in Virginia. Pardon my intrusion Mia but my son is stationed in VA. Love it there. Might I ask what part you reside in hummingbird lover? 🙂
Cindy, my mom lives in the Tidewater area. Is your son stationed there?
Hi Mia, Yes, he is stationed in Norfolk but they live in Virginia Beach. My son is a Navy pilot now deployed to the Middle East. Worried during such precarious times but know he’s in good hands. Last year we visited and went to the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing. I love the trees, history, ocean although Virginia Beach has the hottest sands I have ever walked on! 🙂 We don’t travel anymore because of my husband’s Parkinson’s but hoping we might squeeze one more visit in. I live vicariously through your pictures Mia. You do more for others than you realize. Take care.
Cindy, I’ve been to Virginia Beach and Norfolk many times and used to live in VA myself. Virginia is steeped in history and is a gorgeous state from the coast to the Piedmont area to the mountains.
I will keep your son in my thoughts. I come from a military family myself and understand your concerns.
I hope that you will be able to make one more visit to Virginia.
Thank you for your very kind words.
Thank you, Mia. I appreciate you and your kind thoughts. My grandson just got accepted to Emory and Henry in Southwestern Virginia, the honors college so one way or another, I hope to make it back there one day but only time will tell. Hope you get to visit your mom often. I think I could live in Virginia easily but the humidity can be a bit much at times. In my poetry book I write of Virginia a bit and Pungo since my son lives near there. Sorry to say too much. Not my place. Thank you again for all you do, Mia. If you are ever in Draper, let me know. 🙂
A few years ago we had so much snow in the mountains, they released water from the reservoirs. My neighbor and I were talking about winters past when there was always a lot of snow accumulation but it seems to start at a later date and it melts faster. The hummingbirds stay longer and leaves seem to stay on the trees longer. Very worrisome. Are we past the tipping point? Your images are always uplifting, Mia!
What a BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL image!!! It looks like a cresting brown wave behind the bird…love it! I sute hope you gent a decent amount of snow this year…scary if you don’t….
Beautiful Image, Mia