November 2008 Archives

The start of winter doesn't put me in the best of spirits. Short days, wet, wind and much of nature closing down.
I wait for landmarks such as the shortest day (just over a month to go!); or the first shoots of snowdrops or daffodils pushing through (in sheltered spots they are already several centimetres up!).
This autumn the extent of changes caused by global warming across North Wales are again apparent. Despite the wind, many oaks and beeches still have some green leaves.There are some breathtaking shows of golden brown in some sheltered spots. Wihout any frost the leaf stems are still hanging on.
The year on year extension of plant growth is obvious; fuchsias, mallows and ornamental daisies are still flowering.
The Christmas rose was once a rarity, but they have flowered continually over recent winters. They brighten the start of winter. But plants are wasting their resources producing flowers when there are no insects for pollination, and which therefore serve no useful purpose.
Some crisp, frosty conditions are necessary to kill pests and break up the soil.
The lack of clear-cut seasons, with some summer flowers extending till at least Christmas, overlapping the first daffodils, gives me a sense of wonder.
Much depends on the accurate records of natural events in previous years.
I've kept a fairly full diary over recent years of autumn events on the Western Llyn.
It would be interesting to hear about others keeping records. Notes on any aspect of the seasonal behavior of birds, animals or plants over the years are important.