Web Content Display Web Content Display

Return to Full Page

ForBioSensing, admiring biodiversity: On the trail of spring in the Białowieża Forest

After the long winter, the time has come, which gives many reasons to be happy for all those longing for the spring weather and a long day. On Sunday (March 21) was the first day of the calendar spring, from that moment the days will gradually become longer than the night.

It is worth observing nature and looking for the first heralds of spring. Our employees went to the Forest and photographed some of its manifestations. In today's news, we share them with you. Here they are:

Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) - a species of shrub which in the first rays of spring sun sparkles with yellow hanging cats. When we lightly nudge them, there is a golden dust in the air. This is one of the first heralds of spring. Hanging cats are male inflorescences. If you look closely at the twigs, you will find small buds with red pistils on them - these are female flowers. If the wind brings dust on them, it will be worth returning to this place in the fall. Why? Because they will make hazelnuts. 

Mezereum (Daphne mezereum L.) is a species of shrub belonging to the laurel family [i]. It is an early harbinger of spring. Its flowers are strongly fragrant, the scent can be felt from a distance of several dozen meters. It can be of different colors, incl. pink, purple or white. It is highly poisonous to humans and animals, but interestingly, only birds can consume its fruit and thus carry the seeds.

The employees also encountered plants that, in order to welcome spring, break through the snow. In the photos you can see the leaves of marigolds showing through.

It is worth watching the first heralds of spring, which enliven the forest that has been dormant so far.

 

[i]https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wawrzynek_wilcze%C5%82yko

 

 
text. W.Duranowska
photos. A.Szulc