Poor Will’s Almanack for the Third Week of Late Winter.
Between the first day and last day of February, the day increases by more than an hour throughout most of the United States, and natural history shows the growing power of the spring. Like the steady shifting of the sun and the stars, precedents from previous years make promises for the fledgling seasons
Almost every year, Skunk Mating Time begins in the Groundhog Day Thaw. Salamander Breeding Time opens in the first mild rains, and bobbing blue jays announce Blue Jay Courting Time. Doves called occasionally throughout December and January; now the Dove Calling Time swells the predawn songs of cardinals and titmice.
Along the Gulf of Mexico, Violet, Wintersweet, Winter Honeysuckle, Lenten Rose, Strawberry and Jasmine Blooming Times are beginning. In northern Mexico, Monarch Butterfly Migration Time moves the monarchs toward the Texas border.
In Arkansas, Rhubarb Leafing Season coincides with Henbit Blooming Season in Lexington, Kentucky. Throughout the southern and central states, people are tapping trees in Maple Sap Season.
In the Lower Midwest, Meadowlark, Eagle, Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird and Duck Migration Seasons accelerate the appearance of spring as Steelhead and Walleye Fishing Seasons gradually unfold in the Great Lakes.
This second week of February also marks the initial days of Onion Set Season when the soil is ready; if the month is cold, onion eaters often wait until they see the red tips of peonies coming up in Peony Growing Season.
This is Bill Felker with Poor Will’s Miami Valley Almanack. I’ll be back again next week with notes for the third week of late winter. In the meantime, use your nose to find spring. The skunks are telling the truth.
