Along with February and midwinter, the first Red-winged Blackbirds have returned, singing in our half-way-to-spring days here in the northern hemisphere. The most tenacious of these spicy guys arrive to stake out their marshy territories when it still seems impossibly cold for them to be here, their early morning songs swirling from their beaks in a cloud as they sit atop their frost-covered cattail thrones. I have an immense love for the magic that only winter holds. But this time of year, when most of us need just one sure sign that spring is making its way toward us, my eyes automatically begin scanning the marshes I drive past every day for the sudden presence of these feathery black, red, and yellow harbingers. They are the surest of sure signs, a reassuring constant.
In speaking of birthdays for February, it’s bittersweet this year. Our sole February birthday was Nutmeg’s, our beloved gentle giant of a steer who we suddenly lost last year after an unexpected health crisis. He had just turned 9 on February 10th and passed away in March. It’s not the same seeing his small herd without his enormous presence, but it’s been heartening to see how well his mama, Betsy, along with Honey and Meredith, are doing. Always together, always looking after and comforting one another, as is natural for bovine families when given the opportunity to live out their lives together.
Nutmeg and his mother, Betsy:
To say we love each and all of the chimpanzees and bovines feels almost an empty thing, so impossible is it to express how much our hearts hold for them. And what a gift of a thing to have the privilege to celebrate. Our Valentine’s Day bash planning has already begun and knowing how much you love them all as well, we can’t wait to share this celebration with you. And if you haven’t had a chance to register yet (thank you to those of you who have!!) there’s an opportunity to join the chimpanzees’ virtually for breakfast on Valentine’s morning!
Meanwhile, let our hearts leap and pirouette and kick about over the twenty residents who have called the sanctuary home so far, those who remain here and those who have gone on ahead, whose lives in all their kaleidoscopic wonder would not be possible without you.
Last year, as many of you probably recall, we posted a series of blog posts, individual Valentines if you will, for each of these unique individuals. Feel free to visit/revisit any of these you’re so inclined to (linked in their names), marvel at and celebrate how far they’ve each come in the past year, or just enjoy their beautiful selves, so a part of our hearts, family, and lives.
And Happy February, Valentine’s Day, and turning-toward-spring (or autumn – in which case I’m Elphaba green with envy) to you all! We’re so grateful you’re here.
Happy February, all! The days will get longer any time now!
I don’t think the RW blackbords are back here yet, oddly. I remember visiting a friend in the Bronx and we were riding bicycles around this one loop. and she said something about “the sergeant birds”. It took me a minute to realize that she called red winged blackbirds “Sergeant Birds” because of the colors on their sleeves!:smile:
Linda, Ha! I’ve never thought of that, but true! In appearance and behavior. 🙂 I’m always amazed at how dedicated these guys are to protecting their territory and community – super spicy! 🙂
For sure! In grad school, I had a 40 min walk to classes from Family Housing, and in the spring, they always had to remind us that the portion of Lakeshore Path between Housing and the wooded part involved a marsh area, and it was time to watch carefully, lest we get dive-bombed!
Sending Valentine’s Day wishes to everyone! Can’t wait for the virtual Valentine’s breakfast!!!!
The Valentine’s Day event sounds wonderful! Wish i could participate but i will be doing my weekly volunteer work in a soup kitchen at that hour. I hope it’s a big success and enjoyable for everyone. I love watching the chimps and the fabulous work you all do giving them a wonderful life!
Lynne, may your Valentine’s Day meal be just as wonderful for all of you. <3
Thank you, Katelyn, for today’s beautiful if bittersweet post. I know that I am one of many who misses beautiful Nutmeg. As with our dear Jody, I am grateful that Nutmeg was able to live, not as a commodity, but as a living being.
With the appearance of the red-winged blackbirds near the Sanctuary, I take it that Negra the Ground-Chimp did not, indeed, see her shadow when she emerged from her nest on Sunday. Although I think that Young’s Hill could use some more snow, it would seem that the six additional weeks of winter has become a victim of “Cancel Culture”, at least for this year.
Tobin, we should have looked for Negra’s shadow from her window seat in the play room, I guess. 🙂
What a beautiful though poignant post, Katelyn, heralding in the changing seasons and the delight of the first RedWinged blackbirds. ( For me as a child in Wales it was the first call of the cuckoo). Love and light and always always holding in our hearts and memories sweet Nutmeg and Jody who left us all too soon. But now we embrace the merry month of February with it’s loving messages. A time to celebrate life, love and happiness.
Susan, how amazing to hear a cuckoo heralding the return of spring. I’m always fascinated by seasonal experiences in other parts of the world.
A lovely post, celebrating all of the much loved residents including those we still miss. The photos are beautiful and capture their personalities perfectly. I have joined up for the special breakfast….can’t wait to hear those excited food squeaks and slurps, although it will be 4am on Saturday morning here in Sydney…..I will make my own smoothie early, so the I can join them!
Carol, that’s amazing of you! Thank you for registering to join us on Valentine’s Day – hope you can build a nest and nap afterward. 😉
love those beautiful faces
Katelyn! All of a sudden, just like that, it feels like spring is near! Your opening paragraph brings red winged blackbirds right into my home. So beautiful, thank you.
Nutmeg. Big, handsome, magnificent Nutmeg. Since Nutmeg was the sanctuary’s only birthday celebration this month, maybe we should celebrate a Remembrance Day for him on February 10th. I bet the ladies would appreciate a special scratch and some yummy alfalfa in honor of their beloved boy.
Thank you for the amazing photos of EVERYONE! Here’s to celebrating Hope, LOVE , Home all month long!
Kathleen – We’re getting to drop into some of the coldest temps yet, but yes, somehow, it still feels like spring is on the way! I love the idea of a remembrance day for Nutmeg. <3