June NATURE NOTES
By Katie Andersen
Which birds can we expect and what else is happening in nature this month?
Read on to find out more!
Little Wood Satyr by Katie Andersen
Hummingbirds and Orioles are nesting and may become scarce at the feeders. Their activity will increase again when the young come off the nest at the end of June / beginning of July.
Tiger Swallowtail, Spicebush Swallowtails, Silver-spotted Skippers, Little Wood Satyrs, and Monarch butterflies emerge.
Cecropia Moths emerge.
Hummingbird Moths emerge (late June). These daytime flying moths hover to feed from flowers and are often mistaken for 'baby hummingbirds' - don't be fooled!
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!
Songbird migration is finished. Birds that are here now are summer residents that nest.
As the month progresses, feeders can become busy with visiting parents and fledglings. You can document any birds you see nesting or with recently fledged young in the PA Bird Atlas portal.
Maps turtle nesting by Katie Andersen
Brown Bats give birth.
First fireflies of the year appear.
Turtles emerge to lay eggs on land, often crossing roads to do this. Slow down and give them space!
Bullfrogs and Green Frogs are calling.
Crickets begin 'singing'.
Many species of Dragonflies and Damselflies emerge.
Wood Ducks and Mallard Ducks hatch. The ducklings can be seen following the adult ducks in ponds and lakes.
Canada Geese begin molting.
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 2024 Dates Of Note:
June is National Perennial Garden Month and National Rivers Month.
New Moon - June 6; Full Moon - June 21
June 20: 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.
PA Breeding Bird Blitz runs June 7-17. Support EBO’s team, the Piping Hot Plovers as we defend our title while raising money for conservation!