Summer nature almanac

Timing of events in nature is being affected by climate change

- roughly analogous to polyps in corals. Each tiny zooid has whorls of ciliated feeding tentacles that sway back in forth to catch plankton in the water.

Songbird migration is in full swing by late August, with numerous warblers, vireos and flycatchers moving through. These birds can easily be attracted by pishing. If you see or hear chickadees in late August, you can usually assume that migrants will be with them.

Goldenrods reach peak bloom at month’s end and become the dominate flowers of roadsides and fields. These plants are veritable insect magnets, drawing in an amazing variety of species with their offerings of pollen and nectar.

DREW MONKMAN/SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER Watch for twelve-spotted skimmers this month and next as summer takes hold in the natural surroundings of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

DREW MONKMAN/SPECIAL TO THE EXAMINER The rich smell of common milkweed scents the air in early July.