The middle of summer in New England can be both exciting and oppressive. With the solstice in the rearview mirror and the dog days ahead of us, it’s sensible to seek relief within four air-conditioned walls. But, nobody wants to be indoors at all times, all summer! If you’re feeling stifled , take advantage of the early-rising sun and observe nature also making use of the cool early air.
This time of year, just outside your window, the sun is up and life is working overtime.
In our robust pollinator garden at Westport Woods, the plants are receiving visitors of vastly different sizes, colors and shapes, long before I have drunk my first cup of coffee. At this early time of day, varied winged species–from the Golden Digger wasp to the tiniest sweat fly, and all the milkweed bugs and bumble bees in between–are sipping nectar from Asclepias incarnata ‘Ice Ballet’, in flower on the East side of Kirby House.
Anywhere you look, flying and non-flying critters are moving along. If a heat dome is going to settle on the region, these precious early morning hours are the best time for moving among the flowers.
In shadier spots, you might see nocturnal moths finding respite from the coming warmth, like this Blinded Sphinx moth. This moth is too big a bite for birds like the American Goldfinch, which swoop from tree to tree, searching for dewberries and raspberries and ripening seed heads.
By the time the offices are open, the sun is truly blazing, and I’m happy enter the air conditioned coolness of the Learning Center in Westport Woods. From the windows, you won’t have to travel far to see the digger wasps making their way to the Ice Ballet, and the moths are right out the door.
After a short while, I am tempted outdoors again. The benches in the shade under the cherry trees are calling, and I’m off to observe the birds and insects making the most of these summer days.