Groundhogs, Feeding Birds & Valentines

“What, in the last resort, is there to be said for February?” queried George Lyttleton in a letter back in 1956. Actually in a word: plenty. Best yet, both our native black willows and exotic weeping willows both are showing orange-yellow twigs, a sure harbinger of spring. But when will it arrive? An anonymous wit once suggested to someone bugging him for such a prediction:

You may speak as you like of the weather, You may speak of the birds as they sing But if you sit on a red-hot poker, It’s a sign of an early spring.

So what will the groundhog proclaim on 2 February? Will various and varied Marmota monax across the nation observe their shadow, thus condemning us to four more weeks of winter? The Great Game commenced in the 1950s with Ontario’s Wiarton Willie. Since then he has been joined in his prognostications by, reading from right to left, Shubenacadie Sam (Nova Scotia), Fred (Quebec), Winnipeg Willow (Manitoba) and Balzac Billy (Alberta). If past years are any guide, they will fail to agree with each other. Neither do mammalogists hold out much hope. The only reason for the male groundhogs emerging early from their lairs is because love is in the air. Like many another male mammal, first off the starting blocks has the best chance. And for the record as meteorologists, their track record puts them right alongside politicians, lawyers, stockbrokers, bankers and similar prognosticators.

Diversion No. 1

Spiders may not be the pure predators that we generally believe, after University of Exeter a study found that some make up a quarter of their diet by eating pollen, reported Science Daily under the header: Spiders are partial to a side order of pollen with their flies.

---

In the U.S., February is National Bird-Feeding Month. Good idea up in the Great White North, too. Encourage our feathered pals to stick around the garden where later they can feed themselves and their families on all manner of pests and weed seeds. But meanwhile their table manners leave something to be desired. They scatter seeds below the feeder adding insult to injury by relieving themselves there. This can be mighty messy over patio or deck but even worse for a lawn. Such deposits smother turf while weeds sprout from the seeds come spring. But there is a more sinister side. Not all the droppings land on the ground below. Some stick to the feeder, where they may spread disease. A weekly clean with lightly diluted bleach will assist in keeping birds returning. A frequent question is how to keep squirrels from damaging feeders in their search for plunder. Simply add powdered cayenne or other hot pepper to the seed. Harmless to birds, it will send the unwanted guests hightailing it for cooler quarters. It will not cause them to go blind from scratching their eyes, a piece of singularly silly urban folklore.

Diversion No. 2

Prescribing an apple a day to all adults aged 50 and over would prevent or delay around 8,500 vascular deaths such as heart attacks and strokes every year in the U.K. suggests The BMJ.

The Lunar New Year commences 31st January. This occasions celebrations anywhere around the world were there are to be found Oriental communities: In other words pretty well everywhere. One of the most attractive is to be found at the Mazu Temple in Tainan, where eight young and pretty women become “fairy maidens” and serve temple visitors during the Lunar New Year. Many apply for the honour but whether they make the grade is decided by the sea goddess herself, one of the most popular deities in Taiwan. Bamboo divination blocks were cast at the end of December. The chosen few fairies, perform “divine” functions wear traditional robes and symbolically bless prayers on Mazu’s behalf with willow branches and holy water. Such is considered a life-long honour for the eight lucky lasses. Mazu herself is said to have been born on 23 March 960 AD on Meizhou Island, Fujian Province She died 4 October 987, aged just 28 – some say by drowning despite being known as an excellent swimmer. She wore red garments while standing on the shore to guide fishing boats home, including those of her father and brothers, even in the most dangerous and harshest of weather. Beloved today for much more than maritime voyages, people now pray to her for health, career, farming, relationship and numerous other concerns.

Diversion No. 3

A self-styled Willy Wonka from South Yorkshire, U.K., may have achieved the impossible task of getting children to eat their Brussels sprouts – by covering them in chocolate, according to the Daily Mail.

The wickedly funny Brit duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise had some advice for men on Valentine’s Day – or any other day for that matter: “Men, married men, young married men, remember that your wives still enjoy chocolates, sweets, perfume, flowers. Let her see that you haven’t forgotten. Mention them occasionally.” Did they then explain to their wives that February is World Understanding Month? When it comes to propounding on perfume, chocolates and similar gifts, this column backs off. But flowers – that is up our garden path. Roses are red violets are blue, I’ll never forget who seduced who. Oops, best not that even if violets are the flower of the month. How about roses then? At the rip-off prices demanded prior to Valentine’s Day you might want to think again. Worse yet, roses are notoriously short-lived as cut flowers. Perhaps because of this, in Canada carnations are becoming more popular. Flowering orchid plants are an even longer lasting reminder for her. She might even appreciate their connotation.

Diversion No. 4

When pukeko (New Zealand birds) are observed heading for higher ground Northland Iwi Ngati Wai will expect a storm and possible flooding, explained Jamie Morton, The New Zealand Herald. Meanwhile, down in the South Island, Iwi Kai Tahu predict that a long hot summer will follow when the ti kouka (cabbage tree) flowers early and profusely.

Conveniently this year 14th February also is Lantern Festival, the official ending to Chinese New Year Celebrations. Red lanterns to symbolize good fortune float in the air accompanied by fireworks. Riddles are posed, folk dances performed and yuanxiao (rice dumplings) eaten, stuffed with rose petals, sesame, bean paste, jujube paste, walnut meat, dried fruit, sugar and edible oil as fillings. Boiled, fried or steamed they are delicious. If this lacks appeal, consider laying in a modest supply of soybeans and assuring protection and luck during the coming year by participating in Japan’s Setsubun, or bean-throwing festival. On 3rd February, in Japan the day before the beginning of spring, roasted soybeans thrown out the door by male head of household and people crying out, “Demons Out! Luck in!” and then slamming the door. As this is a municipal election year, such protection might be highly desirable.