New Hampshire Nature Notes
by Eric Orff
Spring is just dribbling along.
Friday 05/06/2016
It sure looked like we were in for n early spring a month or so ago. Snow and ice was gone in a record early spring. Spring peepers started peeping mid March, tree buds were swelling and things were moving quickly into spring.
Then came cold and damp April into early May now. My tulips and daffodils are just now in full bloom. And even then they are half as tall as they should be. Their growth has been stunted by the lack of sun and the cool temperatures. The peepers fell silent for three weeks too. Even it seems with temperatures in the low 50's and even some 40's they are even now struggling to call.
Birds are about in numbers. I am worried that if this cold rain weather continues its going to take a toll on their eggs and chicks. Even leaf out seems to be at least a few days late. By now the hillsides around town should be swathed in shades of green.
It sure looks like we do have an abundance of most wildlife though. Turkeys are everywhere it seems. Deer too seem more plentiful than usual. I even have a ruffed grouse around my house most days. The little hen no doubt has a nest nearby. In 37 years living here I have not had this treat before.
I'm hoping things warm up soon as my trees are just now blossoming and there is not a bee to be seen. It seems to be just too cold for them. I so need my pollinators right now. Today is warming into the 60's. A welcomed respite from the week or more now of the 50's. I think the soil is still too cold for much garden planting. Well that is my excuse at least. The rain of the last few days while cold has brought some much needed moisture. The greening fields and lawns are a testament of that need.
