Late 2012 winter stirrings

January 1, 2013

Just what has been happening in the world of phenology………………. could nature be stirring already?

It may only be the 1st January but just as last year, there was some unseasonal activity. Firstly, in the form of flowering Woodland Snowdrops and secondly, flowering Winter Aconite, blooming around the same dates as in 2012, see here and also here

Again, this time around, these sightings will closely correlate to the local weather conditions. One being, a general lack of Air Frosts over recent days and perhaps, the incessant rainfall, as shown below.

December 2012 Air temperature highs and lows

Intriguingly, looking at their expected emergence dates, both events have now moved forward to the 11th January consequently. Woodland Snowdrop captured below, emerged on the 28th December.

Woodland Snowdrop (Galanthus_nivalis) in bloom

With Winter Aconite emerging on the 30th December 2012.

Winter Aconite (Eranthis_hyemalis) in bloom

As we head into 2013, I wonder what delights the year will hold.

*should you wish to join, I now have a dedicated Facebook page for, accessible via the following link – facebook.com/naturestimeline

Posted by: Tony William Powellon

naturestimeline – courtesy of Tony William Powell
on Google+

6 responses to “Late 2012 winter stirrings”

sirgeogy

January 1, 2013

This is a great project and interesting weather output too. Thanks.

Reply
1. Tony
  
  January 1, 2013
  
  Hi,
  
  Many Thanks. I also notice that your blog also helps to get the next generation involved. Citizen Science is invaluable nowadays and I hope both of us continue blogging about it for many years to come.
  
  Kind Regards
  
  Tony Powell
  
  Reply
greenbenchramblings

January 1, 2013

We were busy in our garden here in Shropshire yesterday and our aconites are just emerging as are crocus but no sin of snowdrop.

Reply
1. Tony
  
  January 1, 2013
  
  At last, some folk can actually get out in their gardens should they be that way inclined? I find it truly amazing, once the Winter Equinox has passed us by, it is as if there has been a trigger in the natural world. Since the 22nd December, as shown above, every day has seemingly seen non-stop rain. Couple this with a distinct lack of sunshine; it has been awful, aside from today.
  
  Bring on more of that lovely sunshine.
  
  Best Wishes
  
  Tony Powell
  
  Reply
Finn Holding

January 3, 2013

I hope the events that unfold in 2013 are indeed ‘delights’!

BTW I’m intrigued by your FB page – I’ve toyed with the idea of one for The Naturephile too, but I haven’t got round to it yet. How’s it going with that?

Reply
1. Tony
  
  January 3, 2013
  
  Hi Finn,
  
  I have only just set it up but so far, I have had six likes and hope to get a few more. I feel this year needs to be the year to put nature firmly in people’s minds. As an example, climate change was strongly featured on the BBC news coverage today and so too, was the potential crisis facing Farming in 2013. Both topics being close to my heart, as time moves on.
  
  Good to speak to you again and do keep us informed.
  
  Best Wishes
  
  Tony
  
  Reply