photos by Kirk McConnell and Julie Cosgrove
Last summer might have been the hottest in 2,000 years. And this summer is following with a warmer than usual July, as recurring heat waves roll into August. But let’s not wallow in the summer doldrums. We still can venture out in the early morning or in the early evening to find beauty and critters at nearby parks or just around the corner.
Butterflies, bees and even friendly lizards will greet you if you are out and about before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
At the local parks, the goslings are growing up, mama coots are still raising their chicks. Redwing blackbirds are singing in the fields of drying mustard.
If you are lucky, a friendly Mallard will hang out with you while you take pictures and the local pair (who might be a monogamous couple) will come to say hello. I’ve been greeted by this Mallard and Indian Runner Duck since 2023.
The trick to avoid the summer doldrums is to venture out in the morning before 9 a.m. or in the evening after 6 p.m. You might encounter some lovely friends.
Bees, butterfly and lizard photographed by Kirk McConnell; birds and snail by Julie Cosgrove.