JUNE NATURE NOTES
By Katie Andersen
Summer arrives and migration takes a brief breather while the nesting season is in full swing.
Here are some of June’s Nature Happenings to watch for this month.
Yellow Warbler Katie Andersen
Northbound bird migration wraps up at the start of the month. Migratory birds such as Yellow Warblers that are here now are summer residents that are using our area as their nesting grounds.
Hummingbirds and Orioles are nesting and may become scarce at your feeders. Keep smaller amounts of food out and keep it fresh for when they do visit. Their activity will increase again when the young come off the nest at the end of June/ beginning of July.
Hummingbird Moth, Katie Andersen
Hummingbird Moths emerge (late June). Often mistaken for 'baby hummingbirds' - don't be fooled!
Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtails, Silver-spotted Skippers, and Monarch Butterflies emerge. Cecropia Moths emerge.
Blackbird Fledgling, Katie Andersen
Young birds begin to leave their nests, often a few days before they can fly. The parents are still caring for them - Do not disturb or 'rescue' these baby birds!
As the month progresses, feeders can become busy with visiting parents and fledglings.
A Big Brown Bat mother retrieving her fallen pup, note the pup is also nursing. Terry Lobdell
Many species of Dragonflies and Damselflies emerge.
Brown Bats give birth.
First fireflies of the year appear.
Crickets begin 'singing'.
Bullfrogs begin calling.
Common Merganser with ducklings, Scott Burnett
Wood Ducks and Mallard Ducks hatch. The ducklings can be seen following the adult ducks in ponds and lakes.
Common Mergansers ducklings can be seen swimming with- and often even, on!- mom.
Young Woodchucks and Raccoons emerge and venture out with their mothers.
Cottonwoods send out seeds - lots of white 'fluff' in the air, especially along Lake Erie's shoreline.
Wildflowers in bloom include: blue flag iris, yellow hawkweed, wild lupine, wild strawberry, pitcher-plant, common buttercup, ox-eye daisies, common cinquefoil, black locust, and more.
June 2023 Dates of Note
June 3: Full Moon
June 18: New Moon
June 21: Summer Solstice. The sun is at its highest point in the sky. It's the longest day of the year and the first day of summer.
June is National Perennial Garden Month. It’s a great time to assess what’s growing in your gardens and look at changes or additions that can be made to make your yard a haven for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife!