Along with increasing light as the days get longer, spring brings many familiar, yet fascinating changes in the natural world. Trees and plants blossom and many species emerge from their winter hibernation. Phenology i s the study of these recurring seasonal changes in nature, particularly in relation to climate. By recording the times and places of these phenomena each year, scientists can determine how the natural world is reacting to climate, and to possible changes. Phenology, however, is not just for scientists; anybody can record their first observations of their chosen species.
Bumblebee queens emerging
Bumblebees are one of the most familiar and endearing signs of the approaching spring. These delightful furry creatures are not only beneficial but crucial to gardens and crops, as their pollination is vital to the continuation of many plant species. The large (about 2cm long) queen bumblebees emerge from hibernation in January and February, and start looking for suitable nest sites, collecting nectar from willow catkins and bluebells. Due to intensive farming methods and subsequent disappearance of many wildflowers, many species of bumblebees are in severe decline, and now heavily depend upon the nectar that our garden plants provide.
Frog or toad spawn?
Many gardeners are familiar (and sometimes exasperated!) with the phenomenon of frog spawn covering their garden ponds in late winter and early spring. Frog spawn is easily distinguished from that of the toad, which is a string of eggs, whereas frog spawn is a thick mass of translucent jelly, spotted with dark eggs  throughout. Frogs lay thousands of eggs as most of them won’t survive into froglets, so frogspawn is best left alone and not destroyed. Frogs generally lay their eggs from February onwards, but in the south-west the spawn can be found even earlier. Apart from gardens, it can be found in ponds, slow streams and ditches.
Latest news. A frog has been spotted sitting at the back door of one of our volunteers this week. We aren't sure if it wanted to go in but it was carefully deposited nearer to the pond at the bottom of the garden!
Ladybirds, for many a favourite in the insect world, emerge from group hibernation in February and March. They feed mostly on aphids, and are beneficial to gardens, as they also eat garden pests. They are unmistakable in their bright orange- red appearance, with seven black dots adorning the wing cases. Look for them in woodland, meadows and hedges.
 Butterflies already?
A spectacular sight from as early as January is the peacock butterfly, which can be spotted on sunny days. It is one of the few butterflies that hibernate as adults over the winter, and is easily recognisable by its deep red wings with the large “eyes”, resembling those found on peacocks’ feathers.
Blackthorn - an early bloomer
In the plant kingdom, blackthorn, often confused with hawthorn, is an early bloomer with clusters of beautiful white flowers coming into blossom in March and April, or even earlier. It is a thorny, deciduous shrub, most commonly found in woodland and hedgerows. Blackthorn is an important food source for bumblebees, butterflies and moth caterpillars. It can be distinguished from hawthorn by its oval shaped leaves, whereas those of the hawthorn are lobed.
If you are interested in finding out what other wildlife you might see in February - click here
Written by Niina Silvennoinen |
