February Nature Notables
“There is enough to see outside in winter to satisfy any poet. In fact, winter may be even better because there aren’t so many things going on in nature that they crowd each other out. It’s easier to notice what’s there.”
Charlotte Mason volume 1, page 86
Oh dear, I’m almost late in getting this post out! Can you believe that tomorrow is February? Where has January gone? Well anyways, I hope that you were able to get some good nature study time in during January, even if the temperatures were a bit (or a lot) chilly! The sun did finally break through the clouds and the blue skies returned after days and days of gray, that was an instant mood lifter.
So, onward to February nature. If you hibernated last month (like I did somewhat) there’s no time like the present to get back outside and enjoy God’s creation. Usually by February everyone’s starting to look forward to springtime (getting cabin fever), so I would encourage getting outside as much as possible and observing the details to find beauty and encouragement.
Here is my list of February Nature Notables to get you started. Some of these things may be repeated from last month, but many are new.
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Did you start a nature calendar in January? Be sure to keep it up through this month. Even if you didn’t start one in January, it’s always a good time to start any time of year.
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Whenever possible study and observe snowflakes, ice and frost.
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Hunt for animal signs and tracks in mud and/or snow.
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Chart the sun on the horizon throughout the month at the same time each day. Note how the position is changing (keep the Observing the Sun’s Position notebooking page if you’d like).
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Watch for sun or moon halos (this time of year is a great time to observe this).
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Spend time cloud gazing. Humidity levels are low in the sky giving a very clear view on certain days.
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Spend time at night star gazing for the same reason listed above.
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Search for beauty in winter, even on gray, drabby days look for details and give God the glory.
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If possible, put out bird feeders. This time of year they will greatly appreciate it and you will immensely enjoy watching them. Plan to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count coming February 12th – 15th!
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Observe wooded areas. While the brush is gone and leaves are off the trees you can get a great view of wildlife such as deer, squirrels and birds.
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Study and observe evergreens and conifers.
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We all know that February is all about LOVE! You could play this into nature by taking a hike and making a list of things that you find that you love in February’s nature; this would also help with the cabin fever and lack of appreciation. And/or find ways to “love” and take care of nature by feeding the birds and other wildlife, providing water, etc.
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Another way to help with cabin fever: planning/mapping a garden for spring, buying seeds, etc. Yep, we can officially say we can start looking forward to spring!!!
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Also now is a great time to have a Indoor Root Vegetable Tabletop Garden!
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Join the Journey North Mystery Class (starting February 1st!).
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Applicable Shining Dawn Books topics: Snow and Ice, Constant Conifers, Animal Signs, Captivating Clouds, Beautiful Birds.
Editing to add a couple more things:
Don’t forget February 2nd is Groundhog Day. A great time to study about groundhogs and hibernation.
On February the 28th there will be a Full Snow Moon – Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February’s full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. – Might be a great time to study full moon names and their origins and moon phases.
Happy February Nature study!!
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