ok I read another one today. I know that for certain reasons you were talking about leaving out animal signs. But I think this one is relevant because a mating call won't be relative to the region, it HAS TO be relative to the season. The great horned owl. SPring is just a few weeks off when you hear them hooting back and forth.
the poison oak are starting to have swollen buds here, should be open in a few days. its also a great time to start a lot of seeds(note to self). also some of the daffodils have opened and bloomed in the last few days.
its almost that time of year again, I'm going to start a dedicated yearly phenological calender this year, ive taken notes before but I want it all in one place from now on. I'm going to include daily temperatures and humidity as well, along with cloud cover and rain possibly.
just glanced up and realized I may have not reported. But everything I followed last year worked out great. The only exception would be that it was a little cooler than when I usually plant the corn. The corn did fine, but because it was cooler, it took longer to sprout, which gave the squirrels more time to invade. I'd have to say this year I will either have to find a way to deter the squirrels, or go back to planting a bit later.
I started lettuce, broccoli, leek, onion and other greens when I saw some of the manzanitas flowering. turned out to be perfect timing.
take note whats going on around you, for some winter may be just starting to loose the battle. its still going to be cold for months here but perfect for later winter crops.