Searching for Spring: Phenology Blog #3
ββ.π₯ έβΛΰΏ For today’s phenology assignment, we were instructed to go to our phenology spots and search for signs of spring as the equinox just passed. However, if anyone reading this remembers the forecast for the day I decided to go explore (03/23/2024), you will know that I was greeted with inches upon inches of snow this day. While I realized I probably would not be able to see the signs of spring I was promised, I decided to go check out my spot anyways as the snow was quite beautiful. I also convinced my two friends to brave the cold with me to see the snowy forest!
While my spot felt as if it had been transformed into a winter wonderland, the amount of new flora and fauna in the area was severely lacking. I could not find any budding branches, likely due to the heavy amounts of snow covering the branches. However, something that surprised me was the amount of bird calls I heard! I did not think we would see or hear any avian friends during the visit, and I was happily proven wrong. However, the high wind and snow amounts made me worried for the birds I was able to see, as the environment they normally thrive in as migratory birds (American Robin, possible European Starling) is not the environment we were in today. While knowing birds are resilient, I could not help but feel nervous for them in their journeys in the frigid environment.
While I was unable to spot any signs of spring apart from the increase in bird activity, I was still very glad I came to visit my clearing by the brook, especially with two close friends in tow. The day was quite fun, and felt a little fantastical at some parts due to the sheer beauty of the snow amongst the trees. I am secretly hoping for warmer weather to return to my spot as well as the Burlington area, I am not taking for granted the beautiful scenery I was able to see and the memories I made today with friends in my field of ferns in Centennial Woods. <3
Also, if you are interested in what we found and do not want to read all the wordy-goodness of the blog, I also made a vlog of my friends’ and I findings for fun!