The Art of Nature in the Flinthills in Autumn

I love the Flinthills in the fall. The colors of the mature grasses, combined with the golden sun of early morning or late afternoon are truly spectacular.  Kansas is often thought of as flat and treeless, but in eastern Kansas, the hills are rolling and grass-covered and cattle still dot the countryside as we get closer and closer to winter.


We are bringing cattle home from the pastures this month. Even though there is grass there, the quality is greatly diminished. We have been supplementing the cattle with other sources of protein. Because of their miraculous four stomachs, cows can digest the fiber in grass but they still need more protein to stay healthy.

I love walking through the pastures this time of year--watching for wildlife, including deer and game birds as they prepare for winter. I am a glass half-full kind of gal, and I enjoy the beauty of nature in all the seasons, but I have to admit, I am not a big fan of winter.

So I will rejoice in the beauty and depth of color during Autumn, even as I dread the greys of winter. I do realize that winter is an important season for the native grasses to achieve dormancy, kill the insects and allow nature a rest period. But I will mourn the end of autumn and rejoice with the onset of spring. 

6 comments:

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    1. "Testing Stellar" is more like it. I am loving that app, but not sure it is driving any new traffic for me. But, seriously, it is beautiful photography allllll over that app!

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  2. I grew up on a farm near Hutchinson and now live in Colorado. I've always wished to spend some time in the Flint Hills, a part of Kansas I'm not very familiar with. :( And now, I have to go check out that app. Very nice photos and presentation.

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    1. You do need to visit the Flinthills--either in the fall or the spring! Spring is when we are burning the pastures and it is an awesome sight!

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  3. I grew up in the flatter, yet also not completely flat western Kansas and I share your appreciation of the beauty of the plains. Having lived in Virginia and now in Colorado, I sometimes miss the vast openness and the horizon to horizon views of God's creation. Great pix; thanks for taking me home, Debbie.

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    1. You know, Kansas gets in your blood. I know they call Montana "Big Sky Country" but so is Kansas. One of the best things is the view from horizon to horizon, as you said! I totally agree!! Next time you are in Kansas to visit your girls, you all need to come to our place for supper and some porch-sitting!

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