Believe it or not, for the last three years, during this upcoming week in February, the aconite started blooming in my garden! This year, the poor plants are buried under a few feet of snow.
But there are a few signs of change that come with the longer day length. Last week, almost right on cue, I heard the first "Peter, Peter, Peter" of the Tufted Titmouse. In addition, I heard a male cardinal doing its song "Purdy, Purdy, Purdy, chip". Both sexes of the cardinal sing, but I actually saw this particular male at the top of a tree in our field singing away. Given the cold weather and continual snow we have been having in eastern Pennsylvania, I am curious as to what cues make these two species think it is time to sing to the ladies?
But there are a few signs of change that come with the longer day length. Last week, almost right on cue, I heard the first "Peter, Peter, Peter" of the Tufted Titmouse. In addition, I heard a male cardinal doing its song "Purdy, Purdy, Purdy, chip". Both sexes of the cardinal sing, but I actually saw this particular male at the top of a tree in our field singing away. Given the cold weather and continual snow we have been having in eastern Pennsylvania, I am curious as to what cues make these two species think it is time to sing to the ladies?
