"There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story." - Linda Hogan
The wildlife in the ravine today is so active that the animals almost seem frenzied. It is strange to see this level of activity in February when the ravine is usually quiet. The squirrels are running and jumping as if they are in a race. Foxes are openly prowling in the daylight hours and the birds are abundant. A pair of woodpeckers has been busy pecking one of the leafless trees right behind our house. Robins are swooping in and out in flocks of tens. Tiny terns, fly en masse at rapid speeds and with a wing motion that at first glance makes them look like butterflies.
With no snow and unseasonably warm temperatures, it seems the animals are confused and think it to be spring. The national weather forecast is for the spring-like weather to continue through the month - bad news for environmentalists, skiers and ski hill owners; good news for the City of Toronto coffers which won't be strained by high expenditures for snow plowing and road salt. And good news for those of who don't count winter as our favourite season.
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