Is it going to rain today?
Is it going to rain today?
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Qlenum Latest Questions
What time is the eclipse going to happen?
What time is the eclipse going to happen?
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FIRST SIGNS OF AUTUMN When does autumn start? Technically, autumn has two start dates: Astronomical: normally on 21 September or one day either side, the first day of autumn (or spring earlier in the year) is marked by the equinox – when daylight ...Read more
FIRST SIGNS OF AUTUMN
When does autumn start?
Technically, autumn has two start dates:
Astronomical: normally on 21 September or one day either side, the first day of autumn (or spring earlier in the year) is marked by the equinox – when daylight and dark hours are equal. The word equinox comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night). In 2021 the autumn equinox is on 22 September.
Meteorological: weather scientists split the year into quarters based on annual temperature cycles for statistical purposes. By this method, autumn starts on 1 September and lasts until 30 November.
It might not necessarily feel like autumn on these specific dates – warm weather may give the impression of an extended summer, or icy blasts can seem like the early onset of winter. But many changes in nature happen around these times to indicate autumn. Here are some of the best ones to look out for.
1. Leaves changing colour
A dazzling display of gold or crimson leaves is one of the defining features of autumn. If you look up into the tree canopy you may already see the first leaves beginning to turn.
This annual event is triggered by autumn’s cooler temperatures and shorter days. When there’s less sunlight, deciduous trees stop producing chlorophyll, which they use to convert light into energy to grow. Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives leaves their green colour. When production slows down, the chlorophyll fades and yellow and red pigments are revealed.
2. Migrating birds
Many birds, including nightingales, cuckoos, swifts and swallows fly south to warmer climates for the winter. Look out for huge flocks of swallows lining up on telegraph wires ready for their 6,000 mile journey to South Africa – it will take them six weeks!
Before long we’ll start to see some arrivals too. Redwings, fieldfares, waxwings and some types of duck and geese head to the UK from colder countries like Iceland and Scandinavia.
3. Fruits for foraging
Late August to early September is prime time for blackberries. These sweet, juicy fruits are delicious in cakes and crumbles – look for the berries ripening in bramble bushes and check out our scrummy blackberry recipes.
The hedgerows will soon be groaning with other mouth-watering delights too. Keep your eyes peeled for ripe elderberries, sloes, rosehips and wild raspberries.
Remember to leave plenty for wildlife. Badgers, foxes and small birds all feast on these fruits in autumn, and they provide a valuable source of energy and nutrients.
4. Flowering ivy
Take a closer look at the dark green ivy trailing over trees, old buildings and garden walls and you’ll see little clumps of yellow-green flowers. Ivy is one of the few plants to flower in the autumn, so it’s very important for pollinators like bees and butterflies that are still active at this time. On a warm, sunny autumn day you’ll see lots of insects buzzing around it, feasting on the nectar.
5. Falling seeds
In autumn, many tree seeds ripen and fall to the ground. Look out for plump acorns, shiny, brown conkers, and prickly beech mast nestled in the leaf litter at your feet. Some trees rely on the wind to spread their seeds – can you spot papery field maple seeds twirling in the wind?
6. Fungi
Damp weather provides ideal conditions for fungi to grow, so autumn is when many species thrive. They come in an amazing range of colours and some very peculiar shapes. Even more weird are the names – from amethyst deceiver to dead man’s fingers and lemon disco to bearded tooth, these fabulous fun
gi really capture the imagination.
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SIGNS OF SUMMER IN NATURE The beginning of June signals the start of the meteorological summer and the natural world is buzzing with life. We’ve put together a list of six signs of summer to look out for while you’re enjoying ...Read more
SIGNS OF SUMMER IN NATURE
The beginning of June signals the start of the meteorological summer and the natural world is buzzing with life. We’ve put together a list of six signs of summer to look out for while you’re enjoying the warmer, longer days.
1. Trees in full leaf
The woodland canopy has closed over and trees are lovely and green right now. This makes it the ideal time to work on your leaf identification skills. Use our free tree ID app to help you identify the trees around you and learn more about them.
You’ll be surprised how many species you’ll find in a wood when you start looking!
2. Summer flowers blooming
Spring flowers are fading fast and being replaced by summer blooms. Look out for foxgloves, poppies and common spotted orchids in woodland and along hedgerows. Honeysuckle also flowers in summer. It has a sweet-smelling fragrance and bees, butterflies and moths love to feed on its nectar. Did you know that its scent is strongest at night, and moths can detect it up to a quarter of a mile away?
3. Fledglings learning to fly
At this time of year, baby birds are beginning to leave the nest. Many spend a few days on the ground before they’re ready to take flight – building their strength and waiting for their flight feathers to become fully grown.
If you see a baby bird on its own, it’s best to leave it alone – its parents are probably nearby.
Baby birds, like this blackcap fledgling will be preparing to leave the nest.
4. Butterflies all aflutter
In summer, woods and gardens come alive with delicate, colourful butterflies flitting around the nectar-rich flowers. You can attract even more of these beautiful creatures to your garden or window ledge by rustling up a sweet treat for them to enjoy.
5. Bats on the wing
Bats give birth in June so they’re pretty busy hunting for insects to provide food for their family. A summer evening is a great time to spot them darting and swooping through the air. You’re most likely to see them in woods, and near rivers or ponds, at dusk.
Keep your eyes to the skies for bats out hunting for their food.
6. Chirping grasshoppers
It wouldn’t be summer without the soft ‘chirp chirp’ of grasshoppers. They make this distinctive sound by rubbing their back legs against their wings. Their legs have rows of little pegs on them which make their wings vibrate, producing the sound. This action is called stridulation. You can make a similar sound by running your fingernail along the teeth of a comb.
While both male and female grasshoppers are able to produce the sound, it’s usually the male you wil
l hear chirping to attract a mate.
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20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow: 1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks. two ears of corn in ...Read more
20 Signs Of A Cold And Harsh Winter
According to weather lore, if you see any of these signs, winter could be quite tough, with lots of cold temperatures and snow:
1. Thicker-Than-Normal Onion Skins or Corn Husks.
two ears of corn in their husks on a table
If you grew corn or harvested some onions from the garden, check the skins to see if they’re thicker or thinner (it doesn’t count with store-bought onions, which may have been grown elsewhere).
2. Woodpeckers Sharing a Tree
3. The Early Arrival of the Snowy Owl
Snowy owl – Owls
Snowy Owl
4. The Early Departure of Geese and Ducks
geese flying south at sunset
5. The Early Migration of the Monarch Butterfly
6. Thick Hair on the Nape of a Cow’s Neck
dairy cow
7. Heavy and Numerous Fogs During August
foggy lake
Pay attention and count the number of fogs in August. Folklore says the number will correspond to the number of snowstorms the coming winter.
8. Raccoons With Thick Tails and Bright Bands
9. Mice Chewing Furiously To Get Into Your Home
mouse in a hole in a home
10. The Early Arrival of Crickets on the Hearth
Crickets are not only a symbol of good luck but they can also tell us about the winter weather ahead.
11. Spiders Spinning Larger-Than-Usual Webs and Entering the House in Great Numbers
12. Pigs Gathering Sticks
13. Ants Marching in a Line Rather Than Meandering
14. Early Seclusion of Bees Within the Hive
15. Unusual Abundance of Acorns
16. 16. Muskrats Burrowing Holes High on the River Bank
Keep an eye on Susie and Sam!
17. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.”
18. The Size of the Orange Band on the Woolly Bear (or Woolly Worm) Caterpillar
According to folklore, if the woolly worm caterpillar’s orange band is narrow, the winter will be snowy; conversely, a wide orange band means a mild winter (all black caterpillars are not woolly worms). And fuzzier-than-normal woolly worm caterpillars are said to mean that winter will be very cold.
19. Squirrels Gathering Nuts Early to Fortify Against a Hard Winter
A squirrel with a nut in his mouth foreshadowing a hard winter ahead.
Are the squirrels in your backyard furiously gathering and storing nuts? A hard winter may be in store.
20. Frequent Halos or Rings Around the Sun or Moon Forecasts Numerous Snowfalls
Read less