Phenology is about observing the smallest changes in nature and how it effects the plants, animals and life around it. For Judy Gibbs, this is the time of year when there's a lot to take note of.
With the weather warming and the snow melting, vernal ponds will be filling up with amphibians who want a place to mate and lay eggs. A critter you can find in these ponds are spring peepers, thimble-small frogs who's chirping calls can be startlingly loud. Another frog we will be seeing and hearing more of is the wood frog, who's call is likened to a clucking of a duck.
Another consequence of the warm weather is the slow emergence of flower buds and garden veggies. Plants will continue to grow, bloom, and add color to the region.
Look to the skies and you might catch sight of a merlin, a midsized falcon that has a high screeching sound. You are likely to see merlins in white spruce trees where they make their home. These raptors migrate by necessity, following their food source; right now, that's here in the Northland.
You can hear Backyard Almanac every Friday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.
