February
Great Spotted Woodpeckers
The drumming of great spotted woodpeckers on dead trees is one of the first sounds of spring. Listen out for the loud percussion of the male great spotted woodpeckers as they hammer out their claim on their wooded territories. Woodpeckers are much easier to see at this time of year because there are no leaves to block the view.
Badgers
It is a myth that badgers hibernate. They are active throughout the winter. However, when it is very cold or wet they will tend to stay underground. There are many advantages to going badger watching in February. Badgers will emerge from their setts earlier in the day than in the summer; you may be able to spot them around 7-8pm. It is the mating season so there will be a lot of territorial activity including a lot of bickering, purring and growling. Underground the badgers will be mating and the females giving birth.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are among the first plants to flower. Their arrival is a sign that spring is just around the corner. Snowdrops are one of the most well known plants in Britain. However, they were not always called snowdrops. Our ancestors called them February fairmaids, snow piercers and dingle-dangles! Snowdrops have hardened tips to push through snow.
Hazel Trees
It is during the month of February that hazel trees produce flowers. The male flowers are in the form of catkins, which are pale yellow and grow up to 5 cm long. They are also known as 'lamb's-tails'. The female flowers appear on the same branches as catkins and are tiny red tufts growing out of what look like swollen buds. The flowers open when deciduous trees are leafless so they are one of the first obvious signs of spring.
Moorhens
Moorhens become increasingly aggressive in February. The males are defending their territory against rival males. Their warning signs include flicking their tail, fluffing up their feathers and swimming with their neck outstretched, close to the water surface. If these warning signals do not work combat can follow. Males will use their feet to attack each other in a flurry of spray. This can sometimes cause serious injuries.
Reedmace
Throughout winter, reedmaces’ brown pokers of seeds stand guard over the Skelton Grange ponds. During February the pokers burst, scattering fluffy-haired seeds. The seeds are wind dispersed. If they land on dry ground the hairs spread so they can be blown away again to reach a pond. If the seeds land on water the hairs remain spread for a short time before folding back. This releases the seed which will immediately sink.
