Birder’s Lounge

This time of year, it is hard NOT to see Monarch butterflies. If you were to ask someone to name a butterfly - any butterfly - many people would have no problem responding, “Monarch!”

I recently treated myself to a walk along a field of Goldenrod, glittering with hundreds of Monarchs (Danaus plexippus). What a neat experience!

This is a great time of year in my area to watch wildlife. It is still warm enough to see all sorts of plants and flowers in bloom. Butterflies and dragonflies continue to dance through the prairie. The beautiful and graceful Scissor-tailed Flycatchers linger, though they will be leaving soon. Northern Flickers have arrived along with a few fall warblers.

This time of year is also a great time for listening to wildlife. I can still hear my frogs at night, though their calls are less numerous. The night sounds now include the wonderful hooting of owls. The summer songs of the cicadas have bee replaced by the rhythmic, chirping choruses of crickets.  All of these sounds are closer and richer, now that open windows replace noisy air conditioners.

At least, these are the things I can see and hear from my home. What about yours?

(This is an animation - click on the picture if the butterfly is not moving!)