Photo by Kelsey Langlois
Are chorus tree frogs signal the commencement of spring ?
During January we feel unusually tender temperatures here , thanks in large part to El Nino , a cyclical warming of the Pacific Ocean ’s surface .
This spring - similar weather has been wonderful for bunk outside to walk the state road around my farm , but it also seems to have stimulate confusedness among the local animals and plants . Or maybe they know something we humans do n’t ?
Could wintertime be over already ?
For instance , last calendar week my champion and I discovered ( and rescued ) a petty rough - skinned triton , which should have been hibernate still , moving in boring motion across the route . Then , returning home , I spotted a purplish primrose in full bloom . Yesterday , we passed a clump of kitty-cat willows covered in furry ament , and later I heard tree salientian chorusing , another harbinger of fountain around here .
I ’ve noticed the warmer conditions has entice more people out to take the air or run our state roads this winter . Since I ’ve also observed too many rural pedestrians flirting with disaster , I ’d wish to portion out a few road walking safety tips.1 . take the air or lead facing traffic . Walking on the unexpended side of the route ( on the shoulder joint if possible ) , facing oncoming traffic , can allow you to take evasive action if needed . The only time I break this pattern is when I ’m on a unreasoning mound or curvature where oncoming cars ca n’t see me . Also , when I get wind a vehicle approach from behind , I cast coup d’oeil over my shoulder to check that it ’s in the correct lane , or that another car has n’t pulled out to pass it .
2 . Look , hear and last out brisk . Walking on a road is not the time to text , yack on your cell - sound , listen to your I - Pod and/or daydream ( though I include I ’m guilty of the latter ) . Defensive walk imply keeping your sense rattling .
3 . Make yourself visible , assume you ’re unseeable . Don bright coloring material ( Ne yellow really stands out ) , use musing clothing and a light at dusk ( better yet , do n’t walk when visibleness is poor ) , and assume you ’re inconspicuous to machine driver . For example , if someone is pulling out from a driveway or side route , I wo n’t cross in front unless he stops , overtake my eye and move for me to go forward .
4 . Use positive reinforcement . I always give a undulation and smile to drivers who politely move over to allow me plenty of outer space , or who wait until an approach car decease to proceed . Hopefully , this positivistic reinforcement will increase the likelihood they ’ll give me elbow room next time , too , as well as ride safely past the next pedestrian they adjoin .
~ Cherie
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