I'm sure most of you know the this silly tradition of Ground Hog Day in North America. There is a list of Groundhog Day Forecaster! Here is another site: 
GROUNDHOG-DAY.com . Theory goes, if they see their shadow, they get scared and hunker back into their burrow. Then, 6 more weeks until spring. Some Groundhog forecasters are not even groundhogs!
It wasn't until we met our dear Fred Groundhog that I realized that they aren't even awake here on Feb. 2nd! Fred, AKA Whistle Pig (her whistles are epic), sleeps from September until March-ish. They are true hibernators. I found this uncredited image on Bluesky. It wasn't their image, after a search.
Fred The First seems to winter under the highway. Her offspring, Fred 2, hunkered down under the shed Sept. 12th and is buried under the snow in the burrow.
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I think this was a yawn you can see those lovely teeth.
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| May, 2025 |
I love their furry coats. They eat all Spring and Summer to bulk up for their hibernation.
It's been an early winter. January had 93 cm snow. I don't think it is ending anytime soon. Last February we had a ton of snow, 71 cm. We shall see.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteCute series on your groundhogs. I do not really believe a groundhog can predict the winter forecast.
Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
I remember going to visit Wiarton Willie with my pal Cindy in that town. The silly thing was sleeping then, in the middle of July. I don't trust that varmint to be giving me weather forecasts, haha. The sun is shining brightly here, and according to the traditions of St. Brigid of Ireland, that is not a good omen. February is usually brutal here in E.Ontario regardless of the folklore.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a Fred Year In Photos.
ReplyDeleteCute one. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for an early spring.
ReplyDeleteA very timely post.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe we still have ice on the ground around here in Texas. so unusual. The temps have been so cold, but by the end of the week we are going to be in the 70's. You would think those silly groundhogs would just keep sleeping and not come out of their holes.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun seeing Fred! And I just learned a lot more about groundhogs!
ReplyDeleteThey must wake up poor Phil weeks before he's ready! I do love seeing your Whistle Pig. The photo of her with all the daffodils is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteIt is a fun tradition! Haven't heard from Wiarton willie yet.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteAwwww, something to look forward to - the return of the Freds! YAM xx