The red, red robin is bob, bob bobbing along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. As motorists travel the 'Pike throughout the spring and summer seasons, the opportunity to observe the resurgence of life abounds at every bend in the road.
        As the appearance of the robin signals warmer weather, bird lovers can usually catch sight of the cheerful little red-breasted creatures as they search for earthworms. While robins thoroughly enjoy dining on earthworms, their favorite meal is fresh, ripe fruit. During the warm months, male robins can be found warbling their sweet melodies while the females are busy gathering nesting materials in anticipation of their offspring.
        Blue birds appear to have taken a special interest in Turnpike property. That is why 200 blue bird boxes (in cooperation with Bird Buddy Manufacturing) were installed last spring from the Fort Littleton Interchange (Exit #13, milepost 179.5) to the Carlisle Interchange (Exit #16, milepost 226.3).
        Motorists stopping at rest areas and service plazas within the designated area might catch a glimpse of the colorful blue birds as they prepare for their young. Females sit on their eggs for only 12 days before the eggs hatch. Baby blue birds have enormous appetites for insects. As a result, they keep their parents busy in order to meet their demands. Blue bird hatchlings will remain with their parents through autumn.
      Although they are harder to spot because of their diminutive stature and breathtaking speeds, hummingbirds are a remarkable species. Female hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the United States, weighing a mere one-eighth ounce. They create the tiniest nests (no larger than a quarter), lay the smallest eggs (the size of a pea) and have the fastest wingbeats and heartbeats (615 times per minute). The little creatures eat twice their weight in food daily because their fast-paced systems burn energy at such a rapid pace.
     Motorists may also catch sight of squirrels scampering about as they prepare for the arrival of their young. Squirrels build their nests slowly but surely, sometimes taking up to five days to complete the safe haven. Baby squirrels (which average three per litter) are born hairless and deaf and cannot be moved from their nest for 10 to 14 weeks.
        In the spring and summer, trees that have snoozed through the winter display their magnificent and sometimes aromatic flowers with well-deserved pride. Turnpike travelers should look for showy specimens like the Serviceberry with its pendulous white clusters, the Kwanzan Oriental Cherry with highly noticeable 2 1/2-inch double, deep pink blossoms and the Kousa Dogwood that features creamy-white flowers which continue to flower much of the summer.
        "The Turnpike is virtually teaming with new growth this time of year. Some trees not only house and protect area wildlife, they provide food as well," said Construction Manager/Landscape Architect Donald T. Gilligan. For example, the Redspire and Bradford Callery Pear trees offer area wildlife abundant fruit. Glossy-red berries from the Snowdrift Crabapple is a favorite among birds. And how would squirrels survive without plump acorns from the Pin Oak trees?
        Pennsylvania's State Tree, the Eastern Hemlock, produces tiny pale yellow (male) and pinkish-lavender (female) flowers after standing dormat all winter. The Hemlock's female flowers will eventually turn into hanging red-brown cones that contain a fertile seed under each scale. Tannin, used in creating leather, is found in the bark of the Hemlock. Hemlock lumber has become a popular wood grain and as a result, a valuable resource. The average height of the Eastern Hemlock is 100 feet.
        Observant travelers will notice wild flowers scattered along the roadway, from Black-eyed Susans and pink Cosmos to yellow Coreosis and Red Corn Poppys. There are also floral displays located at many interchanges upon entering and exiting the Turnpike.
        "The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission works diligently to preserve and protect the delicate balance of nature. We ask that motorists respect the Turnpike's wildlife, trees and flowers by not disturbing the environment in any way while enjoying the view," said Turnpike Executive Director, John T. Durbin.       

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