Phenology
grass-like leaves break through ice 1
earthworms on wet pavement
orange fingers of cedar apple rust
ants active in the yard
pussy willow pollen
broody bumble bees notice
calves in the field
white shad bush and yellow spice bush
cherries with fat buds
lilac leaves the size of mouse ears
groundhogs trundle & squirrels scamper
skunks ….
species tulips bloom early
witch hazel and snowdrops fade
first lawn mowing
hoses out
maple buds breaking (hello hay fever)
first cabbage butterfly!
mint, chives, chickweed, lamium
(pot herbs)
white star magnolias
gaudy forsythia
flowering quince, soft red
bird Valentinos sing and call
"Phenology is the study of the annual cycles of plants and animals and how they respond to seasonal changes in their environment. For example, in botany phenology refers to the timing of flower emergence, sequence of bloom, fruiting, and leaf drop in autumn." 2
Phenology models can be used to help an endangered species by the planned removal of common competitors at a time when the reproductive cycle of the endangered species is least susceptible to damage.
Phenology models can document changing weather patterns.
Phenology models allow us to plant seeds at just the right time.
Phenology models move both the bee farmer and the migrant worker.
Phenology models can be used to eliminate dangerous pests by attacking with the least toxic yet most effective measure available at the time the pest is most susceptible.
Phenology: “Northern Saw-whet Owls begin migrating as deciduous foliage nears peak color and ends approximately 1 month after leaf fall.” 3
The length of daylight changes and we put names to patterns.
1) http://tinyurl.com/yto8b
2) http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/phenology.html#what
3) www.projectowlnet.org