20 Signs of A Hard Winter from
Dave Murray, a local TV Meteorologist
- Thicker than normal corn husks
- Woodpeckers sharing a tree
- Early arrival of the Snowy owl
- Early departure of geese and ducks
- Early migration of the Monarch butterfly
- Thick hair on the nape (back) of the cow’s neck
- Heavy and numerous fogs during August
- Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands
- Mice eating ravenously into the home
- Early arrival of crickets on the hearth
- Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers
- Pigs gathering sticks
- Insects marching a bee line rather than meandering
- Early seclusion of bees within the hive
- Unusual abundance of acorns
- Muskrats burrowing holes high on the river bank
- “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”
- Narrow orange band in the middle of the Woollybear caterpillar warns of heavy snow; fat and fuzzy caterpillars presage bitter cold
- The squirrel gathers nuts early to fortify against a hard winter
- Frequent halos or rings around sun or moon forecast numerous snow falls.
“See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”... I certainly hope not!! Just saw one the other day about 20 feet up!
ReplyDeleteOY! I hope not, too.
DeleteI haven't seen any of these, but we're supposed to have a really nasty winter. Hoping against hope that it isn't true.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping, too :-)
DeleteI realize I must not be very observant, these are not things I would normally notice. I can just hope for the best, sigh!
ReplyDeleteI think several of them wouldn't be as noticeable in an urban (or even suburban) area.
DeleteMy money is on El Nino. For better or worse, I don't know.
ReplyDeleteYes, the winter will be better, or it will be worse. We'll know for sure next April.
DeleteThe squirrels here are very bushy with thick coats and tails. It's also pouring rain as I type this.
ReplyDeleteSO happy to hear about your precipitation!
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