January - an overview
January marks the start of the new year, the shortest day has
passed and the days are lengthening, will be some time before
we see any effect. Cold days with heavy frosts and
snow
are a feature of the month.
What to see
As winter progresses food is scarce for wildlife, any snow on
the ground compounds the problem. There are fewer berries such
as Holly, Rowan
Hawthorn
on the branches in the hedgerows. Birds are active after dawn
foraging for food and hour before sunset eating in readiness for
the long night ahead. This is a good time to feed birds as they
will appreciate a meal and you may be rewarded by seeing other
species such as
Bullfinch
as their need for food makes them less timid.
Redwing
and
Fieldfare
which migrated from Northern Europe to winter in Britain can be
seen. If you are lucky you may also see
Waxwings;
a winter visitor from Russia and Northern Europe. They are usually
spotted where berries such as Rowan are found.
Plants are in their dormant stage, the exception are bulbs such
as Snowdrops which have energy stored from the previous growing
season, later in the month their new shoots can be seen just poking
through the soil. Time-lapse of a
snowdrop
flowering here...
Key dates:
20th January 2007: Catkins out in Haworth
For young ducks its fine weather, - An a rare month for tanning
leather.
Bill o 'th' Hoylus January 1873
Tis winter time, ye swains, injoy yer store, Forget yer hardships
and recreate the more.
Bill o 'th' Hoylus Jenewary 1874
If you have any dates, information about weather or observations
about nature, stories or folklore relating to this month contact
us and if suitable will add to the page - please local to Haworth
and the surrounding area only.
