The calm before the storm...

mealworms

It has been pretty slow at Greenwood the past few weeks but that doesn't mean it will stay that way!   Colorado had a relatively warm and dry beginning of February and I've noticed lots of animals preparing for spring.  Great Horned Owls are nesting,  Fox Squirrels are hungry (and females should be pregnant), male House Finches have been singing at the top of every tree top and chickadees have been checking out a bird house that sits under the awning of my patio.  Clearly, babies are on their way!  Spring is, perhaps, the busiest time of the year at Greenwood and that is  because lots of babies mean lots of work!  So, while there aren't a lot of resident animals at Greenwood right now, there will be soon!  The above photo shows some healthy meal worms who are waiting for the  birds to arrive.  I was also able to photograph an Evening Grosbeak (with a broken foot) who was quite eager to fly  but settled down when we gave him some bird seed.  I also photographed  an Eastern Cottontail rabbit who had, most likely, escaped the jaws of a predator and was nursing a raw bottom. 
    Right now it is snowing and we are expecting more than a foot of snow.  My thoughts are with all the expectant moms and dads out there and I hope that they weather the storm.  It is comforting to know that if they need help, Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is there to give them a second chance!

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