Here are some of the changes that I've witnessed.
The days are getting longer. A thrilling first step in bringing warmer weather. (I hope)
What about the trees? Have you noticed the snow has melted around the base of the trees in your yard? When this happens, it means the trees are waking up. Sap is beginning to come up from the tree's roots to nourish the soon to be sprouting buds and leaves. For some trees, you can see their branches changing colors. Pussy Willow branches turn yellow. To learn more about trees, share with your child the following titles, all available at the Library.
The Life Cycle of a Tree by Bobbie Kalman & Kathryn Smithyman. Through easy to understand text and color photos, the authors describe the basic facts about trees, their function in a forest, and how they benefit animals, people, and our environment.
Fallen limbs and trees also have an important function in nature. Read A Log's Life by Wendy Pfeffer introduces the life cycle of a tree and the various purposes a tree has in ever phase of its cycle. The book is beautifully illustrated, using collage art, by Robin Brickman.
Did you know some trees are hundreds of years old? They are silent witnesses to our history. Read, Celebritrees: historic & famous trees of the world by Margi Preus, a Newbery Honor winner for her book, Heart of a Samuri; Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon.
Birds are a great harbinger of spring. Red-winged Blackbirds will be arriving any day now. I've seen them as early as February 25, but usually the majority of them, just the males, are here by March 3. The females arrive almost a month later. This morning on my drive to work, as I passed the Scarborough Marsh on Route 9, I saw a flock of Brants (Branta bernicla) A small goose, Brants are common on saltwater bays and estuaries. At first glance you may think you are seeing the familiar Canada Goose, yet birders identify the Brant by their thick, black neck, and the lack of a white stripe on their face.
Check out a few of our books on birding.
Look Up!: birdwatching in your own backyard by Annette LeBlanc. Walking around your neighborhood or running errands, you don't always have a pair of binoculars handy. This excellent book with cartoon-like illustrations, is about how everyone, no matter where you live or how old you are, can enjoy watching birds.The Library also has plenty of field guides for checking out. Visit the Youth Services Department to find some wonderful books to share with your family.
Happy soon-to-be Spring!
Mrs. C
