I really felt like I time traveled today during phenology. Can this possibly be May?! Judging by the weather, abundance of blooms, and near 90 degree temperature, my inner calendar thought it to be a mid-summer day.
Today, the stream was extra flowing; resembling more a raging river than the cute little trickle I have become accustomed to. I found this rather curious, due to the fact that we have been lacking in the moisture department. However, there was a new dam-type structure, presumably built by a human, which could have greatly affected the stream’s flow.
The humble little tree in my site finally caught up with all of its larger acquaintances and is now fully leafed out! I’m not sure of the species; but I am aware that it is neither a cotton nor a willow tree.
Speaking of cotton trees…. They’re creating a strange phenomenon throughout the park! A blizzard in May! It’s quite magical to observe all the little seeds of opportunity floating around you, searching for a final destination. Maybe not quite as magical if the wind picks up and turns the pleasantry into a fluffy tornado. The massive presence of dandelions can easily be explained, for the millions of plants in “puffball” stage send out their version of offspring with gentlest whisper of a breeze.
I know today was supposed to be our final phenology excursion, but I plan to return to my site soon to conduct a make-up session! Then no one will see me loose composure in saying farewell to my beloved phenology site ;)
No comments:
Post a Comment