RISING ABOVE THE PRAIRIE BLUE Frigid temperatures at 0F and

Frigid temperatures at 0F and an overnight snowfall of 3 inches take hold of this winter wonderland landscape along a completely frozen South Fork Kishwaukee River with a view of a peachleaf willow tree and some elderberry bushes on this February morning at Wildflower Park

I focused my attention on the low lying mist that was covering this prairie landscape scene

I reached the trailhead soon after leaving the house with camera gear in hand and it wasn't long before I started seeing the wildflowers that were in pristine condition and in the distance

I quickly composed the wildflowers of the swamp milkweed and cup plants with the colors of the sunrise and began photographing

With this type of atmosphere

RISING ABOVE THE PRAIRIE BLUE Frigid temperatures at 0F andA hot air balloon rises above the prairie on this beautiful summer morning in Northern Illinois. (454 55)