Van Cortlandt Nature Walk Group
Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan.
This walk will meet in the parking lot of the Riverdale Stables.
In July, many birds lower their activity level and will be seeking shade as the nesting season wanes for many species. But other birds like the American Goldfinch get a late start, beginning its nesting in July and August. By that time of year, milkweed and thistle have started producing their silky fibers that this bird will use to help build their cup-shaped nests which can be found in trees and shrubs. Another reason birds nest late in July is because they produce two or more broods per breeding season. Mourning Doves for example can produce as many as six broods a year. They’ll start nesting as early as late March, and have their last brood as late as early September. The American Robin as well as the Northern Cardinal are also some of these multi brood bird species.
Like humans, birds need to release the heat built up in their bodies from the sun by submerging in water, usually by bathing or swimming. Also, their bill may be opened, and the bare skin on the face, feet, and legs allows more heat to release from their bodies, helping them to cool down .
July is the time to savor the scent of Clethra (sweet pepper bush), and delight in the beauty of tall meadow rue, black cohosh, Joe-Pye weed, and woodland sunflowers. Butterflies like the monarch, tiger and black swallowtails, red admirals are aloft on the summer breeze.
