Signs of Spring

Have you noticed day length slowly increasing or any seasonal signs of spring? Many Journey North volunteers are picking up on small, subtle changes that accompany seasonal transitions. Longer days and the return of certain plant and animal species are providing much-needed joy and optimism to get through the remaining days of winter.

Ruth in Kirkfield, ON: "Buds are swelling on silver birch trees, Carolina poplar and maple trees." (02/15/2022)

Margaret in Hendersonville, NC: "Heard a single American toad begin to sing for the first time this year." (02/18/2022)

Nan in Bristol, ME: "A pair of Eastern Bluebirds are actively checking out a nesting box." (02/21/2022)

How to Participate

Report on the 20th of every month and on each equinox and solstice. Track changes in daylight length over the course of the year on the daylight map. Explore how daylight length changes in your part of the world as the Earth revolves around the Sun.

Share and compare seasonal observations with people around the globe. Are you noticing any seasonal signs that spring is near?

How to Report your Daylight Length (Photoperiod)

Step 1: Look up your sunrise/sunset on the 20th of every month.

Step 2: Calculate the length of time between sunrise and sunset. 

Step 3: Report your daylight length on the 20th of every month and on each equinox and solstice.

Step 4: Explore the Daylight map and compare your part of the world with other locations as the Earth revolves around the Sun.