Stop and Look Around by Jeremy Phillips

“…stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” Leo Tolstoy.

In the midst of summer there is plenty to do. Work is tiresome as you stare out the window wishing you were outside, visiting neighbors and complementing them on the yard work, attending parties, swimming, driving from place to place. Phew… where did the season go? Even our fun activities can seem like work in times like these. So, remember, “…stop a moment, cease your work, look around you.” There are seasons within seasons that can get overlooked with a blink.

The last of the newly-hatched birds are begging for food as parents are trying to get them to find their own food, so each can sustain energy for their long migration south or fatten up before winter. Watch for this interaction, the young shake their wings and make a lot of noise; the adult may or may not feed the beggar at this time.

Northern Spreadwings (a species of dragonfly) dot the grasses around Corcoran’s Pond slicing through the plants to lay their eggs inside a blade of grass using their ovipositors. Hundreds of Shadow Darner dragonflies can be spotted catching small insects with their front-tilted legs they use almost as a basket.

Many flowers have come and gone. Not even a week ago, Day Lilies shown their bright colors, but now only a few remain. Goldenrod is providing nutrients for insects but will soon wane.

I think the point is clear, summer is a fast time with seasons within the season. Soon, the leaves will lose their green color, many of our birds will move to find more food, the butterflies will leave and this season will be missed.

If you want a closer look at nature, throughout all seasons, don’t forget to stop in and find out about our nature programs.