Creature Feature – Christmas Wishes

I wish you…the BEAUTY of a bright red northern cardinal outside your window on a snowy morning. Such a delightful sight is Mother Nature’s Christmas card in real time. Did you know that cardinals don’t migrate? Like most of us, they stick around all winter long. You can give them a helping hand during the cold months ahead by offering black oil sunflower seed in your feeders along with a fresh water source.

I wish you…the PEACE of starlight on a clear winter’s night. It amazes me that on some evenings, stars do, indeed, seem to twinkle. To the naked eye, the planet Venus appears as a remarkably bright star, and it puts on quite a dazzling show this time of year as it ascends into the southwest night sky. Bundle up and see if you can find this brilliant celestial body! 

I wish you…the JOY of observing wildlife this holiday season and beyond. Foxes, rabbits, minks, grouse, chickadees, juncos, and many other wonderful creatures that stay active in winter. White-tailed deer have strategies that help them survive our long, harsh winters, including seeking out sheltered ‘snow yards’ beneath dense evergreens; using the same trails to conserve energy; and browsing on woody forage like twigs. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and many lovely encounters with nature throughout the New Year!

Article by Margie Manthey
Photo by Jodi Sylvester