The beginning of a new year goes by largely unnoticed in the world of nature. Perhaps the most important day of the winter season occurrs on December 22, when the days begin to lengthen and the apparent threat of a snowy decline into permanent darkness is broken by the winter solstice and the return of longer days. This change is noticed in the world of birds and mammals who stay active throughout the winter in Cleveland Metroparks. The creeping increase in day length, or photoperiod, triggers a host of changes in nature including, later in the month, the first of the birds' spring songs.

The winter world of a meadow mouse becomes limited by snow this month as the gradual accumulation begins to impede his search for food. Ever-thrifty, the little mouse has stored away some grains for times like these. Unless the snow gets more than two-feet deep, some plants will receive suitable sunlight and remain green, providing a winter salad for those creatures still active under the snowpack. Month's end usually brings the first breath of spring with an annual thaw, but winter will return - usually with a vengeance - in a week or so.

Birds-

The harshest time of winter has arrived! Please keep your bird feeders brimming full each day if you have begun a feeding program. The birds will appreciate your handouts at least through late March.

High-energy suet at feeders will attract downy, hairy, red-bellied and possibly pileated woodpeckers.

Mammals-

Although the pace of the rut has slackened, the breeding season for deer continues this month. Fawns conceived in January will still be born in late May, as these embryos will develop more quickly than those conceived in October.

Birds-

Red-tailed hawks by day and screech owls by night forage over open fields as their small furry prey disappears beneath the snows of winter. Woe be to the tiny brown mouse that ventures out for "one last look" and is spotted against the white background of snow!

Mammals-

Meadow voles and deer mice welcome the snowy white blanket as they stay safe in their snug tunnels beneath the snowpack until the coming of spring.

Birds-

Watch for small flocks of northern cardinals to appear at your feeder. Their normally tightly controlled territories break down as food becomes scarce and they must range farther for food.

Mammals-

Bucks begin to drop their antlers this week. Every year in late winter male deer shed their antlers and grow them back in the spring. Some may hold one or both antlers as late as March, however.

Birds-

Tree sparrows may be scratching about under your bird feeders this week. Watch for a sparrow-sized bird with a rusty cap and unstreaked breast with one central black spot. These birds come from northern Canada to winter in this area.

Tufted titmice singing "Peter-Peter!" and the bright "Cheer-Cheer-Cheer!" of cardinals announce their recognition of lengthening days and the first hints of spring.

Mammals-

Want to see a deer? CAREFULLY drive north from Rocky River Nature Center on Valley Parkway any evening before the snow melts. Best places to look include south of the I-480 bridge and near the river beneath the Lorain Road bridge. Please photograph from your car and NEVER approach a wild deer. These powerful animals can be dangerous if frightened.