What to Look Out For in February

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RachelMC
Posts: 460
Joined: Mon May 17, 2010 1:04 pm
Location: Chester

What to Look Out For in February

Post by RachelMC »

What to Look Out For in February:

At the time of writing this, Winter has come to bite again - the temperatures have dropped and snow and rain increase the risk of flooding.

The official start of Spring may yet be a few weeks away, but the first signs can be found. Look out for Hazel catkins (Corylus avellana) which start to expand into golden tassels in order to release their pollen to the wind. The female part of the hazel plant, which catches the wind borne pollen, consists of a tiny red cone of red stigmas. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) may poke their heads above the cold earth in abundance. Although not native, in many places they have become naturalised and can carpet the woodland floor. Snowdrops have particularly spread along river banks in some localities. Winter Aconite (Hyemalis eranthis) are also early flowering introductions, with their cheerful yellow buttercup-like flowers.

In woodlands the most obvious leaves to emerge are those of the Cuckoo Pint or Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum). The leaves push up through the leaf litter furled up but then open out once above ground. Dogs Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and Violet (Viola) leaves will also start to green up the woodland floor between the clumps of mosses. Other plants such as Ramsons (Allium ursinum)and the leaves of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) start to poke through the leaf litter.

Where the ground is waterlogged Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) bears its tiny yellow flowers. Occasionally you may come across a rosette of red spotted, broad leaves. This is an Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula).

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Some birds have already started to sing. Mistle Thrushes (Turdus viscivorus) and Song Thrushes (Turdus philomelos) proclaim their territory from lofty perches. On the sunnier days a Great Tit (Parus major) may sing its repetitive "tea-cher tea-cher" song.

Siskins (Carduelis spinus) may be a treat at this time of year for the garden bird watcher.

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Some birds, such as Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), are already prospecting for nesting sites and hence it is important to get bird boxes in place straight away.

Notes compiled by Rachel with acknowledgement to: When to Watch Wildlife

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