Seasons

If you live in a forest at the edge of a marsh like I do, you don’t need a calendar to tell you the season.

Owl Calling Season has just past and I know it is near the end of February. The nocturnal, crepuscular creatures have been calling from tree tops for weeks. The Great Horned owl adult male started it all in late December his deep throated hoots echoing through the pines, all the while searching for a nest. For the last few weeks the adult female, with her unabashed responses, has been hooting rhythmically answering invitations to mate.

Potential lovers for life, their voices blended into song in the night, and the male continued courtship of his beloved. A true advocate of the philosophy of Valentine’s Day he extended soft caresses and presented gifts of dinner personally catered to his humble pre-constructed nest. Home in the trees was not too fancy, a crow’s nest or cluster of branches in the crotch of a tree would do.

The forest is silent again and the owl’s courtship is complete. The winged giants of the night now have other considerations. The Great Horned owls are more concerned with baby making than nest making, not like robins that construct architecturally amazing nests. Mrs. Owl lays her eggs. Mr. Owl hunts and feeds his lady love during the four week incubation period sometimes taking a turn on the nest for her to snatch a snack.

It is also Wild Goose Respite Season. Flocks on their way north from all points south stop for food and rest. Regardless of rain, snow or wind most will return to the skies.

The winter has been long and hard for coyote families and they yip their song of the kill. It is their season to prepare for additions to their families as well.

It will soon be the Season of Awakening.

The sleeping soil will gradually experience thaw and push bulbs and sprouted seeds into the lengthening light of day.

Warmer soil and air will encourage leaf buds to open and grass to grow.

What month is that? Maybe March?

— Margaret A. Swenson is a Washington State University Master Gardener. Email her at [email protected].