(Rosemary Krill shares a garden story on Groundhog’s Day 2010.)
The groundhog saw his shadow, and the skies are gray today, but spring is on its way. I’m sure of it. As a child, I learned that the first sight of a robin meant that winter was over. I aim to see a robin by St. Patrick’s Day each year. Today, as I was walking near the Cottage, I saw a flock of robins in the large holly tree near its front door. There must have been at least ten or fifteen.
And this wasn’t the first time! Maggie Lidz alerted us that the winter jasmine was in bloom in early January. On Sunday, January 10, I decided to go for a look. It was a bright day, but very cold. I guessed I would be alone in the garden. But, no! As I walked up Garden Lane toward the 1750 House, I was amazed to see a flock of robins foraging near the path. I stopped counting at thirty-five. They were moving so fast, I was sure I was miscounting. The robins were a very welcome sight, as were the jasmine blossoms.
My knowledge of birds does not extend too much farther than enjoying their antics. I had always heard that robins settled in for the winter, deep in their forest homes, and only came out again when they were ready for warmer weather. I would be happy to hear comments from those who know more about their habits.
