On March 13 of 2012 we went out for phenology and these are notes over it. I started taking notes at 10:31 A.M. The air temperature was was ten degrees Celsius and the water temperature was five degrees Celsius out. The sunrise that day was 7:29 A.M. and the sunset was 7:18 P.M. It was a bit cloudy out that day and the creek depth was eight centimeters, the same depth as on the 22nd of February. I saw a squirrel running towards the tennis court, I think it was an American red squirrel, because it had a lot of orange fur and a bit of grey in it. I am kind of curious as to what it was going after near the tennis court. Maybe it wanted to play a game of tennis, but probably not.
There also was a cottonwood tree about 12 meters from my spot that had already budded, which was a big difference compared to the willow tree that is next to my spot. The willow tree next to my spot barely had butted at all. I think the cottonwood will get all of its leaves before the willow at my spot. The grass also is a bit greener than it was before, and it was especially green near the creek. I also saw some buttercup growing at the edge of the creek.
Three mallard ducks were also flying around. I think they were chasing each other, but I'm not quite sure. I only saw female mallard ducks, no males.
Great post, Matt! I really like the comparisons you are making between the bud bursting rates on the different tree species and the identification of the species you are seeing (cottonwood, buttercup, red squirrel, etc. Keep us posted on the budding of your trees!
ReplyDeleteI think that it is cool that you classified the plant that is starting to come back on your creek bed. I also love the personality that you put into your posts. It makes them interesting. Good job.
ReplyDeleteWay to take time to identify the squirrel!
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