Natural events, happenings, and fearless predictions based upon 40 years of observations at Hidden Pond. Your observations may vary. Hidden Pond is not responsible for errors, erratic behavior or other whims of nature.
--In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. John Muir
Robin families now gather in flocks. They move through neighborhood yards looking for food and
may often be seen bathing together in streams or sharing a birdbath. Katydids, which are related to
grasshoppers, call by the hundreds from the treetops after dark, seeming to say “katy-did, katydidn’t” in raspy voices. They are harmless to trees and serve as food for many animals, including
birds, bats, tree frogs and spiders. Black-eyed Susans, fall phlox and several other summer flowers
are in full bloom. This is often the driest time of year. Keep birdbaths full, but remember to change
the water each week to prevent mosquito larvae from growing.
Blackberries are ripe for picking. Pokeweed berries are starting to turn purple. Drought-stressed
trees, especially sycamores and river birches, drop brown leaves to reduce water loss. Goldenrod is
blooming now; the earliest goldenrod is best for dried flower arrangements. The spiny spiders now
blocking trails with their large orb webs are spined micrathenas. They do not bite people, but their
spines are sharp. In the Northern Hemisphere, as Earth’s axis no longer tilts toward the sun, its rays
become more slanted, and water in ponds and swimming pools begins to cool. Aug. 12 offers good
viewing of Mars and Saturn because it coincides with a new moon.
Ragweed’s plain green flowers now release pollen, carried by wind to other ragweed plants — and to
our eyes and noses. Goldenrod, also in bloom, is much more noticeable and is often blamed for
allergies, even though insects carry its pollen instead of the wind. Meadow wildflowers are at their
peak. Meadows change from year to year and, if left alone, soon fill with tough woody plants. In a few
decades — about 40 years — they can grow into a young forest.
Nighthawks are now migrating south at night. These birds have large eyes and wide mouths and feed
on moths and other night-flying insects while they are in flight. You may see them hunting around
parking lot lights or hear their “peent, peent” call. Hummingbirds feed on orange touch-me-not
(jewelweed) flowers. Walnut tree leaves are among the first to turn yellow and drop. Monarch
butterflies pass through on their way south. They are strong fliers with sturdy bodies for butterflies.
These traits help them make a long migration, sometimes as far as Mexico. Newly mown grass smells
different now — the smell of fall and after-school sports. The full moon on Aug. 28 is called the
Sturgeon Moon.
Winter is not over until we have seen snow on the blooming forsythia, according to folk wisdom. The redbud tree Cercis canadensis is now in bloom; the magenta pea-like flowers of this small tree add spectacular color to the banks of the Pohick Creek. Red maple flowers will now turn into winecolored winged seeds. Pastel green tulip poplar and sycamore leaves emerge. Pickerel frogs, spring peepers, cricket frogs, chorus frogs all call now for mates. American toads usually spawn now. Daffodils bloom.
The small native shad bush tree Amelanchier Canadensis, now in bloom along stream and riverbanks, reminded early Americans that the shad fish migration is on and that’s why the shad bush was given that name. The forest floor is now carpeted with spring beauties, trout lilies, cutleafed toothwort, and Virginia bluebells. Canada geese usually begin to incubate their eggs now. White-throated sparrows depart for Canada. Mostly quiet during the winter, they now seem to sing “sweet, sweet, Canada Canada Canada”. Full “pink” moon April 12.
Dogwood blossoms at peak; sadly many wild dogwoods have disappeared due to disease. It seems they are being replaced by various wild cultivars of the Bradford pear which are inferior, weak, invasive and the flowers stink. Morel hunters head for their secret woodland places to search for these tasty mushrooms. Tiger swallowtail butterflies emerge from pupa, mate and lay their eggs on wild cherry tree leaves. New foliage provides cover so that cardinals, robins, and mockingbirds can begin nest building.
Hummingbirds and chimney swifts usually arrive now. Pink lady’s slippers bloom, usually dusted with oak pollen. Warbler migration at peak. Gold finch males now molt into dazzling yellow plumage. Wild azalea blossoms have a sweet fragrance; domestic azaleas, though showier, not so much. In the early evening we hear the wood thrush fill the forest with the sound of summer. Carolina wrens hatch. The nestlings, usually 5 or 6 will leave the nest in 12 days.