Photos & text by Barb Jenks Triffon
Every year, the arrival of February makes me smile. It always begins as an inside smile. You know, the kind that starts somewhere in your chest and eventually migrates to your lips. About this wonderful phenomenon, my son once said: “I didn’t even know I was smiling. It was just there.”
Well, that’s exactly what February does to me.
While I can’t quite unravel all the reasons behind my February smiles, I do have some ideas. To begin with, the word February actually reminds me of a former, rather grim, teacher who drilled my classmates and me on the correct pronunciation of this second month of the year.
Well, that’s exactly what February does to me.
While I can’t quite unravel all the reasons behind my February smiles, I do have some ideas. To begin with, the word February actually reminds me of a former, rather grim, teacher who drilled my classmates and me on the correct pronunciation of this second month of the year.
“It’s not Feboo-ary,” she’d bark with tense and twisted lips. “It’s Feb-r.u.u.u.u.u.u-ar-y.” FYI: She also did the same thing with library. “There is no BERRY in li-b.r.r.r.r.r.ar-y.” And, so it went.
Perhaps, it was the fun way I learned to roll my Rs
or the terrifying flashbacks of my teacher’s pursed lips that make me smile every February. But, it could also be the festive palette of Valentine’s Day colors or the sweet memories of school parties with unworkable scissors, dried paste and secret messages written on handmade cards. Then again, it just might be the subtle, but palpable stirrings of a not-so-far-off spring that curl the corners of my mouth.
Whatever the reasons, I’m always thankful for February and happy to report - I’m not alone.
As winter slowly loosens it grip, my recent Jeffrey Woods walks have revealed an overall different mood in the forest and a frenzied increase in bird activity and chatter. The announcement of winter’s diminishing power is being tweeted throughout the forest. The birds know it and so do I.
Perhaps, it was the fun way I learned to roll my Rs
or the terrifying flashbacks of my teacher’s pursed lips that make me smile every February. But, it could also be the festive palette of Valentine’s Day colors or the sweet memories of school parties with unworkable scissors, dried paste and secret messages written on handmade cards. Then again, it just might be the subtle, but palpable stirrings of a not-so-far-off spring that curl the corners of my mouth.
Whatever the reasons, I’m always thankful for February and happy to report - I’m not alone.
As winter slowly loosens it grip, my recent Jeffrey Woods walks have revealed an overall different mood in the forest and a frenzied increase in bird activity and chatter. The announcement of winter’s diminishing power is being tweeted throughout the forest. The birds know it and so do I.
Without summer foliage, visitors to a February woods are sure to enjoy a birds-eye view of some of its really entertaining feathered residents spreading the good news.
American Crows: Jeffrey Woods is a favorite performance stage for these playful winged comedians. With their high-flying acrobatics and incessant jabbering, they’re a constant source of entertainment.
Blue Jays: With perky, tufted crests and beautiful blue plumage, Blue Jays are one of the prettiest and noisiest birds within a February woods. A definite smile maker.
Sparrows: While sparrows are plentiful during all seasons, I love watching these plump little birds in February as they flit, scratch and peck the ground for food. These busy little creatures fill every moment with a full day’s work.
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Blue Jays: With perky, tufted crests and beautiful blue plumage, Blue Jays are one of the prettiest and noisiest birds within a February woods. A definite smile maker.
Sparrows: While sparrows are plentiful during all seasons, I love watching these plump little birds in February as they flit, scratch and peck the ground for food. These busy little creatures fill every moment with a full day’s work.
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Mourning Doves: Mourning Doves have always been my favorite bird. Their graceful, gray body, calm manner and gentle cooing remind me of a wise teacher and spiritual guide. I love listening to them and appreciate their comforting presence, particularly during fading winter days.
Cardinals: A big shout out for Ohio’s official state bird. Both the brilliant red males and brownish, red-fringed females are simply gorgeous against the snowy backdrop of February. Every year, they get my vote for the Best Valentine’s Day Bird in the Woods.
Tufted Titmouse: This little, gray bird looks somewhat like a miniature female Cardinal. Its large black eyes, white underbelly, small crest and eager expression make it a real woodland sweetheart.
Chickadees: These tiny birds with black caps and white cheeks are another woodland gymnast. February is a great month to watch them hopping up & down and all around the trees.
White-Breasted Nuthatches: These perky little birds have a gray-blue back, white face and dark grayish cap. I’m always amazed at their agility to creep (and I do mean creep) along tree trunks and branches in search of food.
Cardinals: A big shout out for Ohio’s official state bird. Both the brilliant red males and brownish, red-fringed females are simply gorgeous against the snowy backdrop of February. Every year, they get my vote for the Best Valentine’s Day Bird in the Woods.
Tufted Titmouse: This little, gray bird looks somewhat like a miniature female Cardinal. Its large black eyes, white underbelly, small crest and eager expression make it a real woodland sweetheart.
Chickadees: These tiny birds with black caps and white cheeks are another woodland gymnast. February is a great month to watch them hopping up & down and all around the trees.
White-Breasted Nuthatches: These perky little birds have a gray-blue back, white face and dark grayish cap. I’m always amazed at their agility to creep (and I do mean creep) along tree trunks and branches in search of food.
Woodpeckers: For me, woodpeckers are a great example of not needing to know a bird’s name to enjoy it. I love watching these woodland musicians drum out a rat-a-tat-tat much bigger than themselves. While I still get their names confused, they don’t seem to mind in the least bit.
Canada Geese: Who doesn’t love these opinionated, cantankerous birds? Unless, of course, they’re defecating in your office parking lot or chasing you down like a mad dog when you breach their personal space. This winter during sunset walks at Jeffrey Woods, I was frequently entertained by honking, V-shaped flocks flying overhead along Alum Creek. Be forewarned: This February, communities of lively geese and their irritable personalities have begun gathering in Alum Creek’s flood plain for their annual eating & breeding frenzy.
Canada Geese: Who doesn’t love these opinionated, cantankerous birds? Unless, of course, they’re defecating in your office parking lot or chasing you down like a mad dog when you breach their personal space. This winter during sunset walks at Jeffrey Woods, I was frequently entertained by honking, V-shaped flocks flying overhead along Alum Creek. Be forewarned: This February, communities of lively geese and their irritable personalities have begun gathering in Alum Creek’s flood plain for their annual eating & breeding frenzy.
Red-Tailed Hawks: Jeffrey Woods is a playground for several majestic predators including the Red-Tailed Hawk. The other day as I drove into the park, one nearly clipped the front of my car in a determined dive to catch a squirrel running across the road. I actually looked to see if feathers were left on my bumper, but both hawk and squirrel escaped.
(PS: I’m expecting a note of thanks from that squirrel for my part in saving his/her life.
(PS: I’m expecting a note of thanks from that squirrel for my part in saving his/her life.
Barred-Owls: Of all the rare and not-so-rare birds in Jeffrey Woods, I think a pair of Barred Owls most touches my heart. Their unblinking eyes and cool stealth mannerisms have earned them the rightful reputation of the wisest predator in the woods. Every spring and summer, I watch and photograph them more than any other other forest ccreature. After a small winter hiatus, I’m happy to report they’ve returned and are helping me welcome February.
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Coming Soon
The American Robin
AKA: The Harbinger of Spring
Another Woo-Hoo!
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Coming Soon
The American Robin
AKA: The Harbinger of Spring
Another Woo-Hoo!
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Whatever powers are emerging this time of year, there's just something about February's many secrets that stir the soul. Don't miss its swelling buds, chatty birds, joyful colors and tender smiles.
In A Nutshell: Enjoy a small remembrance of Jeffrey Woods with an acorn necklace from In A Nutshell,
a direct sale, online business using acorns tops gathered from Jeffrey Woods during walks that inspire
Jeffrey Woods' blogs. For more information visit: Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective
a direct sale, online business using acorns tops gathered from Jeffrey Woods during walks that inspire
Jeffrey Woods' blogs. For more information visit: Website: www.inanutshellcollective.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InANutshellCollective