Spring comes earlier

Animal kingdom puts in an early appearance

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/animal-kingdom-puts-in-an-early-appearance-778019.html

Catkins and celandines; newts and nest-building blue tits; snowdrops and seven-spotted ladybirds – the signs are unmistakable, and all point to an undeniable conclusion. A full month before the official end of winter, the British springtime has most definitely sprung.

Research published by The Woodland Trust points to a striking incongruity between the wildlife usually expected at this time of the year and the explosion of ecological activity many enthusiasts are observing. According to more than 50,000 volunteers taking part in the Nature's Calendar project run by the trust, the evidence is growing daily.

Gardens across southern England in particular are awash with a riot of colour after an exceptionally fecund start to the year. Many plant varieties that usually bloom in late summer are active, while several insect and amphibious species are burgeoning out of kilter with their usual seasonal advancement.

"There are a lot of early sightings such as active ladybirds and butterflies out and about, including brimstone, holly blue, peacock and red admiral butterflies," said Dr Kate Lewthwaite, who is co-ordinating the project. "The natural world is giving us clear year-on-year indications that things are changing. The timing of natural events is one of the most responsive aspects of the natural world to warming, so it is an important indicator of change."

Keen birdwatchers have noticed that many rooks, which tend to build their nests in early March, have already started preparing for their offspring's arrival in Oxfordshire and Surrey. In Sutton Coldfield, in the West Midlands, blue tits have also started building nests months ahead of schedule. The seven-spot ladybird has been seen throughout the South and the Midlands. Snowdrops were seen last November – a full four months before expected.

Dr Lewthwaite added: "Species fooled by warmer weather into activity are very vulnerable and can get caught out by the sort of freeze not uncommon in February. There is a growing risk of localised extinctions."

Dr Tim Sparks, of the UK Phenology Network, said: "Over two decades we've seen a very steady rise in temperatures. It's likely that it will have an impact on several species, with adaptable common species becoming more common, but inadaptable rarer species becoming rarer."