Summer remains a busy time for
wildlife in the woods around Red Oak
“Where has the summer gone?"
That familiar refrain is heard often in later parts of July and August. Though the woods are a bit quieter now that nesting season is over, they are still alive with activity, and sounding anything but silent. Lately, we've seen:
- Parent birds dutifully fulfilling their task of raising baby chicks
- Young mallard ducks and Canada geese growing so quickly that they are now almost as big as their parents
- Young downy woodpeckers visiting the feeders by the nature center looking for a missed morsel of food
- Goldfinches looking resplendent in their summer plumage with some of the brightest and most intense hues of yellow to be seen.
And, although we've been looking, we have yet to see the new born eagles soaring over the Fox River; but that day is coming soon. The observation deck at Red Oak is among the best locations in the area for spotting eagles, herons and waterfowl.
Familiar sounds of summer still ring loud and clear. Cicadas are now singing their buzzy song which reminds many people of the long days of summers past.
Other insects are noticeable, too, during summer. A visit to the woods may reveal a glimpse of a monarch or tiger swallowtail butterfly. The observation bee hive is a flurry of activity right now; stop in to search for the elusive queen bee. She is not easy to find in the hive, but if you happen to see a bee much longer than the other bees, you've found her.
If you are a fan of our multi legged bug friends, plan to be at Red Oak for an exciting, first-time event. Bug Fest will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 21, and promises to be a great family fun of activities and interactive learning.
At this point in the summer, the vast array of spring wildflowers we enjoyed in April is just a faint memory. Replacing their showy colors are now the milkweeds, garden phlox, tall bellflower and sunflowers. Of particular note, look for the blazing orange of butterfly weed in the parking lot.
