The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note of any observations you have made of the world around you. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located.
Seattle. Observations from the Wetland on February 4, 2013.
Spring comes early here in the Pacific Northwest. The first signs are often quite subtle.
- Red Alder (Alnus rubra) catkins are beginning to elongate and redden. Red leaf buds are present.
February 4, 2013. Red Alder catkins
- The catkins on most of the
Beaked Hazlenut (Corylus cornuta) shrubs are also just beginning to elongate. Some of these are developing flower buds. The catkins on a few very sheltered shrubs have opened, turned yellow and begun to throw off pollen.
- Leaf buds have started to swell on the Baldhip Roses (Rosa gymnocarpa). Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) canes are still bare.
- Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) flower and leaf buds continue to swell. Noticeable change began in mid-January.
January 31, 2013. Osoberry blossom bud.
- Midges are present, but not abundant. Large numbers of various
Globular Springtails (Order Symphypleona) are active in the dampest places. One
unknown green leafhopper nymph bounced away before I could focus for a portrait.
- Black-capped Chickadees, Pacific (Winter) Wrens, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and House Finches are singing full spring songs.
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What's beginning to happen or continuing to happen in your natural neighborhood? Everyone is welcome to add their observations to the Bucket.
I'll be back in the early afternoon for a bit, then away until late afternoon PST.