Happy 2012!
With the new year upon us, now is a great time to tune into the natural world and keep track of your own phenological observations as you observe and discover patterns of seasonal change. As you do, you may be amazed at the webs of connections you are able to find!
As I write this, a lazy winter sun is slowly creeping its way above the dense gray covering of clouds beckoning the in-between hibernators --skunks, bears, oppossums and the like-- to wake up and forage for food before the snow hits.
With the new year upon us, now is a great time to tune into the natural world and keep track of your own phenological observations as you observe and discover patterns of seasonal change. As you do, you may be amazed at the webs of connections you are able to find!Wondering what to look for right now? Here are some ideas. This week:
- Step outside at night and listen for the ghoulish great horned owl mating calls.
- Look for “Upsik” -- the Eskimo term for the blowing snow common in January.
- Search for antlers on the forest floor between now and the end of January.
- While you're at it, look for signs of rodents who “snack” on fallen antlers to provide them with nutrients in the cold months.
Wishing you a very happy new year!
0 comments:
Post a Comment