For this phenology assignment, I explored around the waterfront along the coast of Lake Champlain as well as around Salmon Hole. Overall, I noticed mostly small animal tracks in the snow, as well as a few other small signs of spring such as budding branches, melting ice, and signs of bird activity. Attached below are photographs from my exploration as well as brief explanations.
The buds of an unknown tree beginning to emerge, indicating the tree transitioning into spring and potential seed dispersal.Lake Champlain with melting ice sheets. Although it’s hard to see in this picture, different species of ducks and a few seagulls were also sitting on the water. This indicates a return of some birds to Vermont after migration.A closeup of the melting ice. There is no longer one connected sheet, but instead smaller fragments of ice. This indicates a physical change of the natural environment as we begin to approach spring, and warmer temperatures.A bird feather found frozen into the snow at Salmon Hole. Although I’m not sure what species it is, it is evidence that birds have been in the area, implying a return of birds to the site. An unidentified, small birds track in the snow along the banks of Salmon Hole. A small mammals prints in the snow. Although the prints weren’t clear enough to properly identify it, based on the grouping of the print and location (near salmon hole), I believe it was a weasel.A closeup of the unidentified mammals tracks.
