What to look for on a February nature walk

What to look for in Nature > What to look for on a February nature walk

Hello and welcome to My Nature Nook. In this tutorial, we are going to look at some of the things you might spot on your February nature walk. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Much like in January, the main things to look out for in February, are:

Trees – Buds, blossom and catkins
Plants – Spring bulbs, spring plants and winter flowers
Birds – Keep your ears open for bird calls and nest-building

Let’s have a look at some of them in more detail.

Buds, blossoms and catkins

In February, a little like in January, it can appear that the trees are still quite bare of leaves and other activity. However, if you look closely, if you see things beginning to stir.

Buds

If you look at the twigs, you should spot buds beginning to swell on most of the shrubs and trees. See how they are placed, what size, shape and colour they are, and what texture they have – sticky, smooth, scaly, hairy…

Blossom

Already, some trees, such as forsythia, blackthorn and cherry might be bursting into flower. So scan the hedgerows and copses for dustings of white and yellow – but, beware of the thorns!

Catkins

Most of the catkin bearing trees are also showing their catkins by now. Look out for alder, hazel, birch and hornbeam. Compare their stiffness, textures, colours and surface markings to help tell them apart.

Bulbs and other plants

By now many of our spring bulbs should be showing their colours and the first of our spring-flowering plants – and our winter flowering plants can be found along roadsides and on sunny spots.

Bulbs

Flowering bulbs can be found both in cultivated and wild places. Look out for them in parks, gardens and alongside the roads and roundabouts. Equally, look for them beneath hedges and in light woodland.

Spring-flowering plants

Look for spring-flowering plants in sheltered, sunny spots on meadows, light woodlands and underneath our hedgerows. Another great place to look is in cultivated parks and gardens.

Winter-flowering plants

Lastly, let us not forget our winter-flowering plants, such as snowdrops, butterbur and celandine, which can still be found gracing our woods and hedgerows.

Summary

Well, there we go! I hope you enjoyed these tips for what to look out for on a February nature walk? The main things are tree buds, catkins and blossom and of course, our spring and winter plants (and birds).

Don’t forget to take your nature journal along and sketch your findings too.
Remember, if you need help identifying something, you can also take a look at my illustrated nature walk field guides or wildflower calendars.
Finally, if you enjoyed this tutorial and would love to receive updates about further tips and tutorials, please subscribe below.

Thank you for reading and see you soon, Leila x