Summer Greens 2023

I've realized why green is my favorite color—it's because of the multitude of greens that appear in the North Woods as the first day of Summer approaches. Even without much needed rain, the forest is lush with shrubs and wildflowers. Critters and birds are nesting. Tiny fawns are beside their mothers or crouched low in the tall grasses.  

It is impossible to miss this welling up of new life everywhere. Of course, the pesky mammals are making their rounds as well. Mama bear and last year's cubs were on our deck eating all of the sunflower seeds, and indeed stopping by every time I forgot to put the feeders in at night.

The multitude of bird species hanging around is astounding. Though some of them were only passing through and have moved on, many are here to stay. I'm having a blast with my recently discovered Merlin app which identifies birds by sound. Lots of our feathered friends never show up at a feeder, but are in the woods feasting on mosquitoes and other insects—Oven Birds, Thrushes and Flycatchers to name a few. There was even an Indigo Bunting hanging around for a little while.

Now nearing the end of June, we are finally getting our much-needed precipitation. Hopefully the danger of forest fires will decrease with a few days of on-going rain. Of course, this will also enhance the rich green colors in the vegetation. We hope everyone can take a little time to relax and unwind in this wild abundance. Happy Summer!