Wasatch Hollow and Nature Preserve and Open Space - Journal February 8 – 9th, 2020

Wasatch Hollow and Nature Preserve Journal
February 8 – 9th, 2020

Sunrise 7:30 am and sunset at 5:53 pm; at the noon hour the sun will be at 34 degrees (angle) in the southern sky – which means the sun is slowly climbing higher into the sky – for a longer period of time since winter solstice in Dec. 2019. The nature preserve is now experiencing about 10 and half hours of daylight – about an hour and 15 minutes more since solstice.

But, of course it is still “winter.” And last week, “true” winter hit the nature preserve with 12 inches of snow and lows in the single digits (+ wind chill factor). I walked the open space trail right after the storm – and it was a quiet walk – nothing was out. Birds and mammals shut down and hidden from sight. I was the first time – on a walk – that I did not see at least one bird in the area. The creek (Emigration Creek) was frozen over, but I could hear water running under the ice surface.

I proposed in earlier journals that when the SUN was out (during the winter months) this would be the catalyst for more active observations of birds – mammals. But on a walk yesterday the temperatures were in the mid 40’s (felt like a warm spell – like March weather), and yet the sky was overcast – and a light rain was in the area. Nevertheless, the “warmer” temperatures seemed to ignite the activity of birds and mammals: I observed Northern Flickers, Downy Woodpeckers, Black-caped Chickadees, Magpies, and Lesser Goldfinches. I observed one American Red Squirrel and two (2) Fox Squirrels on the walk.

The creek was running high due to the snow melt and the trail was still full of wet snow.

I am waiting for the time when the equinox will be around the corner – and the first signs of new plants – vegetation will emerge, but that will be at least another 30 days or so.

But with the days getting longer and the sun climbing higher in the sky – the incremental steps toward spring weather – is happening.

I look forward to more observations – and sometimes envy – the photos and observations of iNatters in states where winter is barely a notion…but here along the Wasatch Front – and at about 5,000 feet – one has to be patient and realize the a lot of life is going through the seasonal cycle….hibernation, dormancy, and “sleep.”

Posted on February 8, 2020 01:34 PM by scottdwright