The writing is on the wall so to speak. All the signs are there. Daylight hours are increasing. Maple sap is running. Catkins are peaking out of their bud sheaths.
Raccoons are on the move.
A chipmunk joined the red and grey squirrels raiding my feeder. With the slate-blue winter skies as a backdrop, they fly in unison moving in undulating waves, tiny white birds flashing the contrasting black and white of their wings like so many twinkling stars in the night sky. If you are using binoculars, you may detect the slightly rusty tinge of their winter plumage. Recently, I looked out the back window at my neighbour's feeder. We have created our own rules.