Phenology Features
Special February Features
February is the month of survival for our nature friends. This particular January has been warm and rainy more than the typical cold and snowy in New Hampshire. Normally, animals who eat food from the ground to survive these winter months find it harder with deep snow. We have been learning a lot about different birds that stay during winter and thinking about how they survive. Stay on the look out for tracks in the fresh snow Fresh snow brings the opportunity to find and identify animal prints. Be on the look out for tracks and scat!
Special January Features
January is the month of endurance. Animals and plants that are hibernating or dormant during winter endure the cold that January usually brings. Snow is usually a feature of this first month, but we are still waiting here in Portsmouth! Winter birds are active on feeders and foraging. Fresh snow brings the opportunity to find and identify animal prints. Be on the look out for tracks and scat!
Special December Features
December is the month of signage. While many animals that hibernate or have migrated are nowhere to be found, those that endure the winter like all of us leave behind more visible signs like scat, tracks, and other evidence of activity. Keep those senses tuned in, open your owl eyes and deer ears, turn on your dog nose and racoon touch as you make your way through December. This month also brings the offical start of winter with the Solstice on the 21st.
Special November Features
November is a month of dormancy, where animals, plants, and insects begin to rest. As we lose daylight, it feels similar for humans too! Bird and squirrel nests become more visible as trees have lost their leaves. Be on the look out for them as you crunch along a forest path. Continue to keep your eye on the sky for migrating birds and crisp starry skies.
Special October Features
October is the month of adaptation. Things in nature will begin to change to get ready for winter. Fall migration continues. Look and listen for birds in your area. Some birds and mammals that stick around during winter might be molting like the Eastern Bluebird or the ermine. Some animals have prepared enough and will begin hibernation like the woodchuck and jumping mouse. Leaves will be caching chlorophyll and changing color. Seeds may be seen travelling on the wind. The fungi will keep surprising us, pushing through the Earth's soil or trees.
Special September Features
Septmeber is the month of preparation. Nature is beginning to prepare to get ready for winter. Fall Migration begins! Look for Monarchs, Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, and Blackbirds flying by on their way south. Bees are collecting pollen from flowers, especially goldenrod. Mushrooms will be popping up everywhere!
