Early Bloomers

The first harbingers of spring in Central Square, the highly coveted Early Blooming WhirlyRainbow Flowers, began appearing magically last week in the planters around the village. Project Bloom planted the new hybrid WhirlyRainbow bulbs last fall after ordering them from the Burpee's catalog. "We weren't sure if they'd grow here," a PB spokesperson explained, "but they looked so great in the catalog, we had to give them a try." As well as being very early bloomers, the WhirlyRainbow Flowers appear to be hardy and long-lasting, and may even be the reason why pairs of robins have been seen by the little league fields already, and crocuses began blooming almost a week earlier this year than last.

Squirrel Census

March marks the beginning of the first annual Village of Central Square Squirrel Census. Although they do all pretty much look alike, see if you can't come up with the number of squirrels that actually live on your property (in the nests up in the trees, or, perhaps you're fortunate enough to have them living right in house, maybe in the attic - an exceptional honor for any homeowner).

Please count only your own squirrels. If the neighbor squirrels come to eat at your bird feeders, or in your chestnut tree, they're still the neighbor's squirrels and should be added to the neighbor's tally. Please distinguish between grey, red, and black squirrels. This year we will only be counting live squirrels, so please do not include any dead squirrels on your property (including in the road in front of your house).

Email your count to csqwateringhole@gmail.com by April 1st. It would be appreciated if you mentioned generally, if not specifically, where your own personal squirrel farm is located. Village squirrels only are eligible for this count. Feel free to send along any of your relevant squirrel photos.

And watch for the Woodchuck Census (woodchuck, ground hog, whistle pig - all the same thing?) this spring, when they come out of hibernation.

Birdfeeder squirrels

Central Square squirrel nest