Here is the occasional feature from the Center for
the Urban Environment (CUE). In this submission
Jessica Brunacini, Early Childhood Educator at the Center, takes a close look
at the “Cue’s of Spring.”

It's been a long, cold winter, and Brooklynites seem to be chomping at the bit
for spring to arrive and stay for good.  A sunny day of 56 degrees really
sets hope off.  But, it seems, the next day flips back down to wet and freezing. 
Aside from temperatures rising, what are some other cue's of spring that we can
all keep an eye (and ear) out for in the next month or so? 

Flora—
All different types of plants and trees begin to bloom.  Many of the
perennial bulb flowers, after surviving the freezing temperatures of winter, are
eager to sprout from the cold, hard ground.  The dainty White Snowdrops are
first to poke out, often even pushing their way out through the final snowfalls
of winter. They are followed by what many, myself included, consider the first
sure sign of the arrival of spring—bright and happy Daffodils and Tulips,
which begin growing anytime from March onward.  While their flowers may
not stick around for long, the leaves of these perennials continue to gather energy
and nutrients that are sent down and stored in the underground bulb to allow
for next spring’s growth.  Not to be outdone by their plant
relatives, first leaves and flowering buds on Magnolia, Callery
Pear and, of course, Cherry trees push their way out to wow us with their
bold and beautiful colors as well. 

Fauna—
After slowing down for winter, the birds and the bees are at it again. 
With many new food sources available thanks to all of the blossoming plants
and trees, Honey- and Eastern Carpenter bees will be buzzing about from flower
to flower, gathering pollen to feed the grub-like larva that are hatching in
their nests.  Come April, though, bees and many other insects should keep
their eyes peeled, as many different types of Warblers (Yellow, Black-and-White,
Common Yellowthroat, etc.) make the migratory trip back to their summer homes
throughout the parks of Brooklyn and the other boroughs.  These small
birds are mainly insectivores, feeding on the many insects found near the cup-like
nests they build close to and even on the ground in the wooded areas and near
the ponds and lakes of our own Prospect Park.  The Warbler’s chatter
and songs filling the air, along with the eye-popping colors of the season’s
early blooming flowers, are some of spring’s best cues that the winter
doldrums are on their way out.

References: Brooklyn Botanic Garden (www.bbg.org), Cornell Lab of
Ornithology (www.bird.cornell.edu), Field Guide to the Natural World of New
York by Leslie Day. Photo from wikipedia commons.