Naturalist surprised by birch mouse-ears and early swallows: ‘It’s amazing’

Spring species are doing well even when the weather is cool.

Swallows have already been seen in Finland, even though it’s only May Day. In mid-April, individual swallows were even spotted at Inari altitude.

– It’s amazing how many of them have come in at once over Easter. We are already seeing small flocks,” says Pöyhönen.

Other insect-eating birds have also arrived in Finland earlier than usual.

At the moment, insect eaters are surprisingly well nutrition. Even Pöyhti has mosquito bite, but other insects such as bumblebees and butterflies are already on the move.

Inland birch trees with mouse ears

For example, wicker flowers provide good nutrition for insects. In Kouvola and Lahti, Pöyhönen already saw large white anemones and birches with mouse ear.

– Inland, natural greenery is clearly longer than on this coast, says Pöyhönen.

Even the Natural Resources Center was surprised by the early mouse ears. However, this can happen if there is no night frost.

Earlier, the Wildlife Association reported that the widow’s magazine began to bloom for the first time in early March and in the south, their flowering is beginning to be over. Little snow winter promoted spring and in March the sun was already warming the land.

May Day may already be very green in nature. This season is a busy time for Pöyhönen.

– You have to be in the terrain every day to be able to observe and see what’s going on here.