You’re lounging on the porch one December Saturday with a cup of coffee, only to see the season’s first robin! Such a sight can create a strong feeling of belonging in this forested home we share with nature.
Our days can get so busy, sometimes it’s sheer willpower that slows us down enough to really look at how beautiful our community is. It is in these moments when we notice the “firsts” of each season that help us transition through the year in harmony with our natural surroundings. Scientists refer to this study and recordkeeping of cyclic sightings, especially of nature, as phenology.
That robin you noticed scattering leaves on the lawn near the end of December was looking for breakfast in the form of some late fall insects and their larvae – yes, those small caterpillar-looking critters that love to live in leaf litter. A great reason to leave the leaves as mulch in our garden beds is to provide shelter for insect larvae, which in turn helps migrating birds find the protein needed to sustain them on their travels to warmer winter sites. In this way, a robin on your lawn marks the changing of the seasons.
What other “firsts” have you noticed during seasonal changes? Spring blooms on a redbud tree or February’s first violets? New, young squirrels foraging for seeds and nuts in summer? Perhaps the first fall mushrooms after a rain? Consider recording your observations in regular journal entries, field notes, or photographs to strengthen your knowledge of these cyclical sightings. With practice and the help of resources such as the iNaturalist app or identification books, you can become a phenology expert! Noticing that robins almost always appear very late in the year could be something to track in your observations so you can watch for them each December – and be the first person to report sighting them!
Want to help others be more aware of our local, and fascinating, nature firsts? We’ll be posting reported “firsts” throughout the year, so please share your findings as you enjoy nature in The Woodlands Township. Note the date, time, and current weather conditions when you saw an interesting “first,” and describe what you observed in as much detail as you can. Please email your notes and photographs (when possible) to enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov for consideration. Everyone loves being the first to know about something new, so no matter your skill level, please do share what you’re seeing out and about in our community!