Happy Valentines Day

Here it is mid-February and our first snow storm is on its way.  Normally, by this time of year we've shoveled out at least six or seven times, but we haven't had any major snow since last February.  Thankfully we don't live in upstate New York where the snowfall for this month has reached over 100 inches with more on the way.  Just the thought of it gives me a backache.

There hasn't been much activity in the yard with all the cold we've had, however.  I did see some bunny tracks after the dusting we had the other night, and except for the birds, everyone else is lying low including Shirl, Pearl, and Earl the resident squirrels.

 
Crocus & Bee - Spring 2006

The good news is, spring is a little more than a month away.  The crocuses will soon be pushing through the snowbound earth, and the forsythia will start to green and then burst into brilliant, sunny, yellow blooms as the air begins to warm.  We're hoping to see the return of our mystery flower that appeared for the first time last spring, but most of all we long for the return of our four-legged fur-faced friends.  How we've missed them.

Mystery Flower - Spring 2006

For those of you with bird houses, I read a blog the other day you may find interesting.  During the cold winter months, birds will use the houses to stay warm.  Two, three, four, or more (depending upon the size of your house) will huddle together to stay warm.  It was suggested you leave any nesting materials you may have out so the birds can insulate the house.  You will need to clean this material out in the spring.  I had never thought about my bird houses during the winter until I read this article.  To my surprise, I found three sparrows had moved into our house by the shed.

I made another observation while watching a flock of juncos land on my neighbors lawn.  They weren't there long having been startled by the hound dog that lives next door.  There must have been 30 to 40 birds who, upon hearing the howls, flew to the old swamp maple tree on the corner of the street.  

High up in the tree was a squirrel nest, and as I watched, 10 to 15 birds flew into the nest.  At about one minute intervals, one would fly up about a foot only to be replaced by another who was waiting patiently on a nearby branch.  It was as if the group decided when someone had been there long enough and booted them out to make room for another.   I was fascinated by this discovery and watched them for about 20 minutes until they flew away.  I think there's a message here we all could benefit from.

Until next month - stay warm and think spring!

Jane Roberts

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Don't forget to check out our website at www.chipmunk-pictures.com 
For other newsletters check out the archives.

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Have you seen our new Chippy Store featuring great gifts and apparel for every member of the family?

We currently have 4 different chippy stores each one featuring a different chipmunk picture.  Our products vary slightly from store to store but basically include: infant, kids, men's, and women's apparel; BBQ aprons; mousepads, magnets, and mugs; greeting cards and journals; tote bags; teddy bears; and even a T-shirt for Fido.

To find our store, go to our website and at the bottom of the column on the left you will find a link to our Chippy Store.  When you open this page you will see four chipmunk pictures (each represents a different store - see below).  Click on a picture and you will be taken to that store.  Note: Each picture has its own store.  To return to our website, click on the "Chippy Tails" banner at the top of the page.  New items as well as new stores will be added periodically so check back often.

Hope you've enjoyed your visit and from all of us at Chippy Tails have a "wonderful" day!

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www.chipmunk-pictures.com