Nature Happenings

May

• Over 250 species of wildflowers bloom this month in our fields and forests.
• Mexican free-tailed bats begin raising young.
• Peak of warbler migration happens very early in the month.
• The first half of the month is peak migration for flycatchers, thrushes and northerly vireos.
• Nighthawks and Chimney Swifts return.
• Sub-adult Purple Martins return to establish new colonies early in month.
• Peak of bird courtship. Listen for the dawn chorus.
• Nesting materials are being collected.
• Orioles return and begin nesting. Be sure to have their feeders, nectar, fruit and jelly out early.
• The first fireflies of the year can be seen.
• Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck and Mallard ducklings hatch and venture forth early this month.
• Eta Aquarids meteor shower is early-May.
• International Migratory Bird Day is mid-May.