January Owls, Plans and Daydreams

-->

There have been numerous reports about snowy owls in the northwestern Pennsylvania area in recent weeks. The large owls are native to many arctic regions and they do periodically migrate southward to southern Canada and the northern parts of the United States.

Technically, the periodic migrations are called an “irruption.”. But exactly what triggers an irruption is not known, although there are several theories. One of those is climate change in the arctic regions. This years irruption is being called :historic” because of the large number of these snowy owls travelling south from the arctic.

Thanks to Shawn Collins of Meadville who shared this photo of a snowy owl at Pymatuning State Park the first few days of 2014.

More information and additional details about these magnificent birds can be found at Snowy Owl.

The first full week of January 2014 will feature some harsh weather. Some weather forecasters claim the first full week will see cold air not seen in decades as well as abundant snowfall. The owls will certainly feel right at home.Discover the Snowy Owl

January Plans

There usually isn't much to do outside during the month of January in the yard or garden except to spread wood ashes in the veggie plot or flower garden. Wood ashes are valuable to both as well as bushes and trees.

January is also a good time to start to plan, particularly for the vegetable garden. It's been a few years since salsify was planted in the vegetable garden here. But salisify seed will be in the ground as early as possible in spring 2014.. It's an old time root crop, healthy and flavorful. The long growing root crop can be used to make Mock Oyster Soup. Learn more about this often forgotten veggie at Discover Salsify.

The January To Do List:Seed  Order :

The Evergreen Herb - Rosemary - pictured above, flavorful and healthy, makes for a nice houseplant in the winter.

Lovage - the patch of this herb died off last year and it is a flavorful, hardy herb that tastes just like celery.

               Discover Lovage

Borage - also known as the bee plant because it attracts bees by the thousands. Although there are plenty of spring volunteers (borage re-seed itself) a package is nice to have around just in case. Pictured abobe is a bee feasting on the blue borage flower. Discover Borage

Of course, there are plenty of winter activities such as snow shoeing - Discover the Green Sport - , ice fishing, sledding and shoveling. One can also view and check on brush piles or even begin to build one. January is also a good month to be awed at the under-the-snow world of subnivia. Discover the World of Subnivia

January Daydreams

A bright yellow dandelion would be a welcome sight in January! This important wildflower has a fascinating history and it is an important source of food for the bees.

Discover the Dandelion