Red Leaves
Autumn at Christmas.
Red poinsettias linger,
welcoming the spring.
Red Sky
Red winter sunrise.
Short winter days grow longer.
Red winter sunset.
Red Birds
Cardinal’s crimson.
January…spring fever.
Woods ring with bird songs.
Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia
Florida’s Change of Seasons
The change of seasons is subtle in South Florida. Times given vary, but are approximate for where I live.
In Florida, most trees and plants are green all year, but some are deciduous. Red Maples and Virginia creeper are among Florida’s deciduous plants. Their leaves turn red in late December and fall around New Year’s.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and grow well in South Florida. They typically bloom in December, and their red bracts stay on the plants for several months. Pink and white are other popular poinsettia colors.
As is true in many places, winter sunrises and sunsets tend to be especially vivid.
Male cardinals get their bright mating plumage in mid-January, and the woods, which have been silent for a while, are alive with bird songs. Spring and baby birds will not be far behind.
