February. January’s undisputed rival for the bleakest month of the year. A crisp frost still sweeps across the ground at dawn and daylight hours often serve us with a drab and dreary backdrop.
Even for the most enthusiastic of nature lover, the depths of February can take the mustering of all available effort to find joy amongst the darkness. But glimpses of delight are attainable just beyond the gloom.
For many, Snowdrops tease us with the first hint that spring is on the way and hasn’t forgotten us. Although a familiar favourite in the UK, these slivers of hope haven’t always spurted from our soils. Botanists believe they were brought to the UK from mainland Europe to Elizabethan gardens and have now been rearing their shoots here for many centuries.
From ground to canopy, deciduous trees are patiently waiting out winter with their buds in tow. The reddish-purple buds of the Elder tree are one of the first to burst into leaf, usually recorded as earlier than most in seasonal archives.
And what of wildlife? You might not imagine that animals are contemplating raising young at this time of year, amongst the chill and blustering winds. However, some like the Raven, have their schedules in order and are ready to breed. Mainly feeding off carrion, the crafty raven knows it will always have a plentiful food supply throughout winter to relay to its chicks. Ravens are one of the first birds to start breeding and it seems they enjoy being one of the first to every party, being the first bird mentioned in the bible!
Equally as sharp in the department of timing, is the badger. Sows may well be birthing their cubs below ground at this time of year and preparing them for life when they emerge just in time for Spring. A surplus of invertebrate snacks will be available at this time, giving these stocky cubs plenty
Spare a thought for the trusty wood mouse, who has been active all winter long, often relying on caches of sustenance left by their Autumn selves.
Of course, February is strongly linked to valentine’s day in the human calendar year. So what of those who seduce and rear young at other times of the year?
Here we take a look at 5 species with fascinating courtship rituals:
🐰The brown hare, thought to have been introduced to the UK in Roman times and now considered a naturalised species, are often associated with their boxing behaviours.
You might take this punch up for a stand off between two males as they compete for a female. However, very often this is a female batting off the cheeky advance of a male hare! 🐰
🐍The adder, the UKs only venomous snake. After emerging from their winter slumber, males will perform an extravagant dance as they fight to win a female.🐍
🦎Great Crested Newt
Similarly, a male GCN will woo a female in an equally dramatic fashion by arching it's back and waving it's tail around. 🦎
🐦Nightjar
The beautiful nocturnal nightjar performs a distinctive "churring call thought the night. Males will fly toward a female, all the while clapping their wings, awaiting the females spread of her wings and tail I'm submission.🐦
🐜Stag beetle
Stag beetles possess an impressive set of jaws, known as mandibles. Raised mandibles are a sign of warning from one male to another during the battle for a mate, potentially leading to a wrestling match . 🐜