What's Happening In Nature

August in Nature: Late Summer’s Subtle Symphony

August brings a golden glow to the landscape—and we’re not just talking about the sunlight. The bright, lemony flash of American Goldfinches is a sure sign that late summer is in full swing. Unlike most songbirds, goldfinches are just getting started with nesting this month. These cheerful little birds wait until thistle and other late-blooming plants go to seed, using the downy fluff to line their nests and the seeds to feed their young.

So, while many birds have wrapped up their parenting duties for the season, goldfinches are fluttering through meadows and backyard feeders, singing their sweet calls and searching for just the right materials to build their nests. Be sure to keep your finch feeders full with fresh Nyjer seed or sunflower chips – it’s their favorites and a great way to support them during this important time.

Birdsong isn’t as loud or constant as it was in early summer. Many birds have finished nesting and are focusing on feeding - especially our feathered friends like chickadees, cardinals, and woodpeckers, who are raising their final broods. Young birds are beginning to fledge and test out their wings, often clumsily flitting about backyard feeders and shrubs. Keep those feeders stocked and fresh - especially with high-protein blends that help fuel their growth and early migration prep. High-protein blends are especially helpful this time of year as birds bulk up for migration or molt.

Speaking of migration, hummingbirds are already gearing up. While they won’t depart until later in the month or even September, their appetites increase dramatically. Watch for males zipping between feeders and flowers, defending their favorite nectar sources. August is a fantastic time to offer nectar (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no red dye needed!) and sit back for a front-row view of their acrobatic flights.

This month many of our ‘summer birds’ will start their fall migration. We’ll start to see fewer and fewer of the Purple Martins, Chimney Swifts, Warblers and Orioles to name a few.
In gardens and meadows, goldenrod and Joe-Pye weed start to bloom, inviting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to their final seasonal feast. Monarch butterflies, in particular, are in full swing - laying eggs on milkweed and fluttering between blossoms before beginning their long migration south. If you spot a caterpillar, you’re witnessing the next generation of one of nature’s great journeys.

Evening brings its own charm. Crickets and katydids strike up their rhythmic tunes as twilight falls, and bats silently sweep the sky in search of insects. If you're lucky, you might even spot a nighthawk darting and diving overhead, catching bugs in the dusk.

So take a moment to soak in August’s golden light. The season may be inching toward change, but there's still plenty of wonder to enjoy in the wild, right outside your door.