Watching for Woodpeckers

Here is the Amaryllis that will carry us into February

 

past Groundhog Day and possibly into spring

 

(she said, quizzically, hopefully)

 

one would think, given the dreary skies of January, the little varmint would not see his shadow.

But I’ll bet you twenty cents he does!!

 

However, I have heard this morning

that there is another harbinger of spring upon which to put one’s trust

and anticipation.

 

It is said that the courting of the woodpecker

is the way to track Spring's advance as she loiters along snow covered lanes

in the wintry woods.

 

and it is reported that even now, as we speak,

the sap rises in the pileated woodpecker and they are a-courting!!!!

 

Do not be discouraged if Ground Hog Day is sunny -
 

put your faith in the Woodpecker.