With Longer Days More Blooms

February 20, 2020 by Team Journey North

The spring equinox is just over a month away. The days are slowly getting longer and although winter still has a firm grip throughout the Northern Hemisphere, signs of spring are starting to emerge (pun intended) in certain places.

"The elbow bush (Forestiera pubescens) is just about to bloom. It is first in the spring." Photo by: Sue (02/08/2020; Lampasas, TX)

Increasing Day Length

Have you noticed day length slowly increasing or any seasonal signs spring? Many Journey North citizen scientists are picking up on small, subtle changes that accompany seasonal transitions. Longer days and the return of certain plant and animal species are providing much-needed joy and optimism to get through the last days of the winter season.

From Kaukana, WI: On a wintry January day, Kim observed, "today we gain 2 minutes of daylight everyday in my location." (01/21/2020)

From Churchville, NY: Beth said, "three bluebirds spotted at Churchville Park!" (02/12/2020)

From Fairfield, PA: Cathleen noted a, "silver maple flowering. This tree is from 1845, according to tree measurements." (02/17/2020)

What to Report

  • Report you day length for February 20, 2020.
  • Report seasonal signs of spring.

How to Report your Day Length (Photoperiod)

Step 1: Look up your sunrise/sunset for February 20 using Google or other internet search engines. 

Step 2: Calculate the length of time between sunrise and sunset. 

Step 3: Report your day length for February 20.

Step 4: Explore the daylight map.