Day 201: July 19th – A Break in the Weather

Overcast with temps in the low 80s

       Finally, a day of relief.  Earlier this morning, the temps were in the 70s and in spite of still high humidity, the day felt refreshingly comfortable.  I spent the early part of the afternoon at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center and the birds seemed to be relishing the lower temps as much as we did.

       It wasn’t just the birds…..the mammals were also out and about  enjoying the pleasant weather.  I ran into at least 3 Cottontail rabbits grazing on the short grass of the mowed trails.  A groundhog was also enjoying the cooler conditions while chipmunks and squirrels were also seen about.

       Both male and female Common yellowthroats and Song sparrows were not too concerned about being out in the open and made their presence known for the camera, even singing their melodious songs in the middle of the day.  

       Many Cabbage whites were seen on the blooming wildflowers, but none were so striking as the Tiger swallowtails sipping nectar from the knapweed and the thistle.

       When the thistle is blooming and going to seed, you can be sure than the American goldfinches will also be in the area.  The numbers of these yellow beauties seen today was well above the more recent counts and finding individuals to photograph was not a problem. 

       More exotic species included the Green heron and the Louisiana waterthrush found at the Muskrat Pond at the rear of the preserve.  More Yellowthroats, Carolina wrens, Catbirds, Robins, Song sparrows, and Barn swallows were all in abundance and truly seemed to be welcoming the balmy temps of the day.  Tomorrow’s forecast calls for the possibility of some showers along with the welcome cooling air.  It was certainly nice to be out in the field today and to see so many mammals, insects,and birds covering the forest and fields.  Is this a sign of the ending of the torrid days of summer and a cooling trend as we head towards fall?  I only have to remind myself that this is the middle of July and we have more than 2 more months of summer remaining.  So hold on and enjoy the ride!