Phenology Saturday

Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal changes in nature. It's nature's calendar - when flowers bloom, leaves break bud, birds begin migrating, leaves change color and begin to fall, and so on. Farmers and gardeners use phenology to develop a planting schedule. Researchers observe changes in phenology as an indicator of the vulnerability of species and communities to changes in climate.

I record the phenology in my garden to broaden my awareness, deepen my connection to the wildlife around me, and to better understand the calendar of my environment and how it is changing. I'm focusing on a few native plants and personal favorites in my yard, the birds at my feeder, and some specific patches of leaf mulch (for insects).

1. Devotions

2. Beingness 

3. Earth Action

4. Phenology journal

5. New squirrel feeder

1. Devotions: 

I'm reading from two lovely books: Living Earth Devotional, by Clea Dana (2013), and Earth Medicine, by Jamie Sams (1994).

Today Earth Medicine's theme is "A matter of Opinion". It's story about a child who digs a hole to nestle into the earth. Then her grandmother suggests that she find a new home for the earth she removed, and says, "Every living thing has a sacred point of view, a place where it observes the world.  ... you moved the earth out of it's home without permission. You may feel that the soil does not mind, but it is a matter of opinion." 

2. Beingness:

For Lent I am finding creative ways to make space for Being in Nature. Today: Take a slow walk around my yard with attention on signs of spring.

3. Earth Action:

Each day I am taking an action for the Earth - Today it is writing queries about clean water.

4. Phenology journal:

According to Oregon Natural Resources, January 2026 had well below average precipitation and below average mountain snow. Our year-to-date rainfall in Eugene is 4.51", which is 55% below average. 

Early February 2026 saw nighttime lows in the 20s to low 30s°F and daytime highs ranging from the 40s to low 50s°F.

February 21, 2026, Phenology Notes:

• Rainfall so far this year: 4.51" (compared to 6.8 in. last year).

• Birds: Fewer birds overall than last month, but still our regular array of chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, stellar jay's, and finches. We have a pare of Golden-headed Sparrows living near our apple tree hedge. Also, my Anna's hummer. 

• Plants: Serviceberry - in bud; Oregon Sunshine - leafing out; Yarrow- lots of new growth; Lupines - one is magnificently over-wintering, draped in the cyanosis bush. Snowberry- bare; Milkweed- dormant. 

Camellia #1 has begun to bloom; Daffodils - some are open; Pretty clump of Snowdrop in back opened this week, and also crocuses in front.

• Insects: 

• Fungi: We have a huge shelf. fungus growing on our Hawthorn - I need to find out if it's dangerous! 

5. New squirrel feeder:

We finally hung our squirrel feeder in the hawthorn tree.!