The earliest signs of spring can be very subtle. Before leafing out, some stems take on brighter colors of renewed life.
Black raspberry vines turning powdery blue and purple with the coming of spring
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Snails, fish, insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located.
Follow me below the orange vines for more examples of spring on the NE corner of the Olympic Peninsula of WA. All photos are by me and lightboxed.
Blueberry twigs in springtime pink and green
Nootka Rose twigs greening up with leftover red rosehips
Yellow stems - probably a willow(?)
Still before the leaves emerge, some trees and bushes put out their flowers.
Pink and yellow on willow catkins
More catkins in green and gold
Landscaping in town provides less subtle spring colors.
Flowering trees in Port Townsend
Not everything is such a riot of color. Indian Plum (
Oemleria cerasiformis) is a very early native flowering shrub.
Indian Plum
Wait a minute! Am I getting my seasons mixed up?
Oak leaves, still hanging on in February
Oaks keep their leaves in fall colors throughout the winter here. So, I guess it's a sign of early spring that new green leaves haven't replaced the old yet.
Your turn! What are you seeing in your area? Any subtle signs of spring?
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" will be posted every Saturday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time and Wednesday at 3:30 pm PT on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.