In Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations, he wrote, “It is one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” In this one sentence, he perfectly captures the dichotomy that is a spring day in Missouri.
Heading into the spring season, there definitely will be days that feel like we are caught between two seasons. There might even be periods of time where it feels like winter wants to overstay its welcome. But if we follow the light of the sun, we know warmer days are ahead.
All of nature knows this. The trees and flowers awaken and start budding and blooming. Birds return and butterflies flutter about. Mammals that took to their dens for a long winter nap emerge to feel the warmth of the spring sunshine.
So, turn your back on winter’s shade and follow the sun. We are headed toward spring.
Dogwood Blooms at Runge Conservation Nature Center
David Stonner
RF100-500mm | 1/500 sec | f/22
Field Sparrow
Noppadol Paothong
EF800mm lens | 1/125 sec | f/8
Black and Gold Bumblebee on Wild Bergamot
Noppadol Paothong
15mm lens | 1/125 sec | f/16
Lettered Sphinx Moth
David Stonner
RF100mm macro lens 1/500 sec | f/7.1
White-Tailed Deer at Runge Conservation Nature Center
David Stonner
RF100-500mm | 1/500 sec | f/8
Fox Squirrel
Noppadol Paothong
EF100-400mm | 1/125 sec | f/5.6
Big Creek Conservation Area
David Stonner
RF100-500mm | 1/500 sec | f/6.3
Wild Plum Tree at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Noppadol Paothong
EF100-400mm | 1/320 sec | f/8
American Robin
Noppadol Paothong
EF100-400mm | 1/400 sec | f/5.6
Spring Beauty
Noppadol Paothong
EF100mm | 1/320 sec | f/4.5
Redbud Blooms at Runge Conservation Nature Center
David Stonner
RF100mm | 1/100 sec | f/10
Eastern Cottontail Kit
Noppadol Paothong
EF100mm | 1/125 sec | f/4
Wild Turkeys at MDC Headquarters in Jefferson City
David Stonner
RF100-500mm | 1/250 sec | f/5.6
Dogwood Blooms
David Stonner
RF100-500mm | 1/500 sec | f/8
Eastern Tailed-Blue
Noppadol Paothong
EF100mm | 1/100 sec | f/5.6
Also In This Issue
Active forest management aids landowners in accomplishing goals, protecting sustainability and native species
MDC is helping Missouri’s sturgeon population
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Editor – Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor – Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer – Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer – Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Kate Morrow
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale