It's August #phenology time

Have your eyes been watery and your nose more runny than usual? It's ragweed pollen season in Minnesota. Goldenrod has also been coming into bloom but those who should know tell us that ragweed is the culprit that contributes to our miseries.

tiger swallowtail butterfly

Photo by J. Harrington

This month many birds and butterflies will begin migrating toward their Wintering grounds South of Minnesota. Our feeders are getting crowded as the young of the year join their parents. We've noticed more ruby-throated hummingbirds and rose-breasted grosbeaks, plus, I think, purple finches and some other unidentified species, chasing each other away from a free lunch.

It's the time of year when two of Joni Mitchell's wonderful songs get played again and again as I wax wistful and nostalgic for past good times enjoyed around this time of year, while looking forward to what the current year brings in the days to come. Although Joni's lyrics are, I believe, of Nobel laureate quality, I actually much prefer listening to Tom Rush's versions of

• The Circle Game, and,
• The Urge for Going.

full moon

Photo by J. Harrington

August's full moon, the Sturgeon moon, occurs today and there's a Black Moon on August 18. Just a few days prior to the Black Moon, on August 15, Minnesota's wild rice season opens. Then, the last day of this month is also the last day of meteorological Summer.

Do you have a favorite phenology event that occurs in August? Share it with us in the comments, please.

August

Lizette Woodworth Reese

No wind, no bird. The river flames like brass.
On either side, smitten as with a spell
Of silence, brood the fields. In the deep grass,
Edging the dusty roads, lie as they fell
Handfuls of shriveled leaves from tree and bush.
But ’long the orchard fence and at the gate,
Thrusting their saffron torches through the hush,
Wild lilies blaze, and bees hum soon and late.
Rust-colored the tall straggling briar, not one
Rose left. The spider sets its loom up there
Close to the roots, and spins out in the sun
A silken web from twig to twig. The air
Is full of hot rank scents. Upon the hill
Drifts the noon’s single cloud, white, glaring, still.

********************************************
Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.