Birds, Bees and Trees

Spring has come to Holyoke. Bees and birds are once again frequent visitors to my yard. Big fat honey bees buzz around the blueberry flowers. Robins pull worms from the newly turned garden soil while starlings and sparrows argue over the seeds at the feeder.

Although we live in a neighborhood of closely packed homes, we make good use the yard we have to provide food for ourselves and many furry, feathered and flying visitors. My family grows blackberries and honeyberries along with blueberries. Last year a friend gave us seven grape plants which thankfully survived the winter. Before too long we'll have lettuce in the ground and as warm days become more predictable, beets, carrots, cucumbers, beans, squash, tomatoes and peppers will go in.

We don't mind sharing some of the bounty with the neighborhood rabbit and the many squirrels that live in the trees around us, especially since a family of hawks took up residence in the neighborhood last year. Squirrels and rabbits make tasty meals for hungry fledglings.

All of this activity in and around our neighborhood has got me thinking about trees and their inhabitants. I have made several puzzles showing the beautiful creatures that make trees their homes. Maybe it's time to work on some new designs inspired by the flora and fauna of my neighborhood.

What spring time animal or plant would you like to see made into a puzzle? Leave me comment with your idea.

I hope that you are enjoying all the signs of spring in your neck of the woods (or house in the city, as the case may be).

Happy spring!
​- Barbara