August is a month of flowers. Many of our showiest summer wildflowers are in full color this month, and the pages of the almanac show over 60 species blooming throughout Cleveland Metroparks. A gentle meander through any of the Park District's many meadows brings a wealth of new beauty each week for those who search.

August nights are magical times, filled with the nightsongs of insects and screech owls. From Hinckley Reservation, far from the lights of the city, a magnificent view of the summer sky can be found this month. The Milky Way may be visible, and from August 11 to 13, the Perseid meteor shower brings an evening of skywatching long remembered. Cleveland Metroparks is filled with summer memories, of hiking, picnics, taking pictures with your family and friends, and finding your own secret "thinking place."

Birds-

Immature hummingbirds begin to appear at Cleveland Metroparks feeders as the young finally leave their thimble-sized nest.

Wildflowers-

Evening primrose unfolds its pale yellow petals at sunset to be pollinated by night flying insects.

Giant dandelions? A closer look reveals that this flower is actually a sow thistle, a similar yellow flower, whose stems and blossoms may reach two feet in height.

Birds-

Blue and green-winged teal ducks reappear at Baldwin Lake and Lake Isaac as their fall migration southward continues.

Wildflowers-

Mountain mint, a species of wildflower with a green flower head and "dusted white" leaves, blooms in many places in Mill Stream Run, Rocky River and Hinckley Reservations. This mint is considered rare throughout most of Ohio, yet blooms commonly in certain locations here.

Birds-

The first black ducks reappear at Lake Isaac and Sunset Pond. Some may stay for the winter but most pause for a few days then move on southward.

Wildflowers-

Wingstem, a seven-foot tall yellow flower, begins to bloom in low wet places throughout Cleveland Metroparks. When it has "set seed," the seeds contain a two-pronged spear. The seeds latch onto an animal host and travel far away from the parent plant.

New England aster, perhaps the most attractive of the fall asters, begins to bloom this week and continues through September, its purple flowers with bright yellow centers set it apart from all others.

Birds-

Nighthawks form flocks to prepare for their autumn migration. By Labor Day, most will be gone from the skies of Cleveland.

Migrating warblers this week include Cape May, Tennessee, magnolia and blackburnian.

Migrating shorebirds at Baldwin Lake's mud flats may include Caspian terns, dowitchers, semipalmated and pectoral sandpipers and lesser yellowlegs.

Wildflowers-

Bottle gentian, an extremely rare and protected plant, begins to bloom at secret places near Lake Isaac.

Poison ivy and deadly nightshade set fruit this week. Chickadees, not affected by the irritating oils, eagerly search for the white poison ivy berries as they ripen.