Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Early Signs of Spring

In spite of the bitterly cold temperatures we've had the past few days, the seasons roll optimistically on.  Most plants and animals respond to length of daylight rather than temperature, and the days are definitely much longer than 6 weeks ago!

This is my most obvious measurable mark of the longer days, the sun rising further and further east each day.  If you check my post of Dec. 18th (the closest clear day to the solstice), you'll see the sun was rising to the west of those two taller Ash trees very close to each other.  Now it's rising just to the east of my Butternut tree, and moving quickly further east each day.  I see it from the same chair in the living room where I always sit with my morning coffee and read the morning's blogs.

And this is the other end of the day - same picture as yesterday, but taken at 6 p.m.!  Six weeks ago it would have been dark at 4.30.  Now it's still light out until 6, and I can walk the dog later and later, which makes a convenient difference to my day.

But there are other signs as the plants respond to the lengthening daylight.  These are the buds on one of the Silver Maples right outside our house.  I have no idea why they aren't killed off when the temperature hits -31 like it did yesterday, but they possess some magic that keeps them not only alive, but ready for spring.

And I was sure I saw a touch of yellow in the big Willow trees down on the river flats in the valley.  They'll be a good deal brighter yellow in a few weeks.

Likewise a strong touch of red in the Red Osier Dogwood over along the edge of the wetland, in front of this dead elm.  All in all, spring is sure to come.  And I'm sure we not only have longer days, but more sunny days in the latter half of winter.  Enjoy it while you can.

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17 comments:

  1. Wonderful photos ! Yes spring is peeking through . I to watch the sun rise up the east more and more and set more in the west . I am so looking forward to the Robins return they are my true sign of spring ! Thanks for sharing , have a good day !

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  2. I've been noticing the length of the day expanding, particularly the end of the day, which I notice much more often. Beautiful shots!

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  3. It's great to see the changes in the sun and so very hopeful too. We were commenting on the sunrise and sunset times today as well. I haven't noticed any changes in trees or shrubs yet though as I haven't been out very much. Too cold and too snowy.

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  4. Nice shots of the trees. Yeah, we're getting signs of spring too.....way too early..... :(

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  5. Well this gets me to thinking. I have to check our silver maple for the buds. It seems to need to be at least a certain temp for my camera to work as our winter is very very cold.. But the length of the day is evident. I wonder if the winter bird flocks are breaking up. I will look for that too. Thank you for sending me off to look for signs of spring. I need it...Michelle

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  6. lovely scenery! looks very cold there. y ou are looking forward to spring and I am looking forward to autumn.

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  7. It's just lulling you into a false sense of security - we're not quite there yet!

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  8. We are more than halfway to spring, and I too notice the difference in the length of the daylight we have available. I'll be walking to the bus today after ten days traveling, and I'm sure I'll notice that there is more light at 7:00am. I love your blog and feel like I've been watching right along next to you. :-)

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  9. I always am concerned about those early buds that might get frozen with a late frost. We had 25 degrees this morning in Texas, and there are lots of tender leaves and buds on the trees.

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  10. Oh yes, your photos promote hope!

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  11. Spring is a nice though...but right now with all of the snow we have, we think that we will see the crocuses pop up sometime around August!

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  12. Hopeful shots of spring are always exciting!

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  13. East? I suppose it's a perspective thing if you are looking south or southeast,but it's moving north. Love the buds

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it's east to my eyes, 'cause I'm looking southeast.

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    2. Yes, it's east to my eyes, 'cause I'm looking southeast.

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