Ice, Sleet, Thunder, February! Winter isn't over yet, but the 2nd is Groundhog Day. It's the halfway point from the winter solstice to the spring equinox, and the days are getting a bit longer!  Here are some good things to look for this month:

Evenings:  Venus is low and bright in the west at sundown. Jupiter is not far behind, and will catch up to Venus soon. They’ll be spectacular together at the end of the month!  Mars is up high in the middle of the Winter Hexagon, near Orion and the Pleiades, and if you are out under dark clear skies you might see the “Green Comet” near the Little Dipper. The stars are at their best this time of year! 

Full Moon: Night of the 5th. 

Mornings:  Spring stars dominate. Before sunrise, you can see the Big Dipper and Arcturus straight overhead. The Summer Triangle  and the constellation Scorpio are rising in the east/southeast!

Quarry:  This is a great month for bird watching! Hundreds of Cedar Waxwings and Robins are all around town, and flocks of wild ducks are still here on area ponds and lakes!

Photo is of a tiny Ruby Crowned Kinglet. It was a cold February day at the Quarry, and he was looking for some company. We had a short, memorable visit about life that day! 

Head outside when you can in spite of the weather. Let the cold fresh air remind you of good times and old friends!!

PKL