Thursday, March 15, 2012

Is It Spring Yet?

Days are beginning to consist of more and more light, and the temperature is starting to feel mild. So what does this mean for us phenologists? This transition from winter to spring is a perfect opportunity for us to put our observations to use! 

Roughly mid-March we marched out to the park to get business started. I start the small hike to my site and I was welcomed by a swarm of bugs! I was freaked out. It really took me off guard. The last time I checked up on my site it was basically freezing outside, and now bugs?! It really goes to show how oblivious I am to my surroundings. 

My observations differed this phenology day compared to the previous few. The most obvious change was a hint of budding on the site's tree! How exciting, am I right? They were simply making themselves known with tiny bumps on the twigs of the tree. I am unsure if it is just me getting too eager, or if green grass is peeping through the brown lawn of the park. I could have sworn it is slowly but surly getting its green shade. Interesting enough, I know for a fact that the grass framing the creek remained green basically all winter.
Notice in the picture how it literally forms perfectly around the creek. My other observations include the moss on the tree's main branches is getting a darker shade of green, and there is no under water vegetation.... yet. 



3 comments:

  1. I love that you got some pictures of your site. It helps give people an image of what we are talking about in our posts. good job.

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  2. The visuals of the green grass along your creek are great -- I'd love it if you'd post a picture of this same shot each time from here on out so we can see the change. I am also eager to continue hearing (and seeing!) the progression of your tree buds (by the way...what kind of tree is this?)

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  3. I love the enthusiasm you put in your posts, Mercy! I feel that you do a very nice job adding in your own creativity. Oh, and great pictures!

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