The city of Burlington is now in the midst of winter, but there are multiple signs that spring is just around the corner. While walking around the city, I found many examples of the approaching season change.
While walking down College Street, the landscaping next to this apartment complex was visible due to the melting snow pack. You can see a few trace marks of snow, but the ground is mostly bare.
A little further down College Street, I found a deciduous tree with small red berries. I am not sure of the species, but I noticed that this species is prolific in the city.
Once I made my way down to the waterfront, I was infatuated by the ice at the shore. This ice has been shaped and reshaped by the repeated waves that roll towards this side of the lake. Although there is ice close to the shore, the main part of the lake is open.
On my way back to campus, I noticed this majestic Basswood tree. This tree still has no leaves along with all the other deciduous trees that I observed; however, in a few short months, these trees will be smothered in leaves.
I was hoping to observe bird activity on my exploration; however, I only saw a few crows flying overhead as I walked up College Street. In weeks past, I have observed Robins along the waterfront. My assumption is that the lack of bird activity next to the waterfront was due to the cold and windy conditions. As the days get longer, I cannot wait to observe the phenological changes that occur in Burlington as spring unfolds.
References
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Human activity in Burlington].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Berries on a prolific tree].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Ice by the Waterfront].
Koval, A. (Photographer). Untitled [Basswood Tree by Waterfront].
Koval, A. [Amelia Koval]. (2021, March 6). Lake Champlain Ice Movement [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k75uG34tiSk