The richness of July can be found throughout Cleveland Metroparks at every bend in the parkway or any turn in the path. This month the fields explode in a rainbow of colors as summer wildflowers return. The warmth of the summer you dreamed about in January is finally here.

Another month remains before we begin to consider autumn, and many more hot and sunny days remain before summer ends. No season begins and ends suddenly, yet even in July we are given hints of yet another season to unfold in Cleveland Metroparks.

Birds-

Goldfinches may be gathering thistledown for nesting material as Canada thistles begin to go to seed.

Wildflowers-

Canada lily and other lilies begin to bloom along Cleveland Metroparks roadsides this week.

Buckwheat begins to bloom. Later in the fall, this wildflower's seeds become an important part of the diet of migrating waterfowl. It is planted in many wet places by Cleveland Metroparks wildlife management staff.

Birds-

Mallards and wood ducks begin to change color as they go into their summer "eclipse" plumage. This is an especially wary time for them, as they are unable to fly for several weeks.

Wildflowers-

Queen Anne's lace, yarrow, milkweed, ox-eye daisy, butter-and-eggs, evening primrose and enchanter's nightshade should all be in full bloom by now.

Teasel heads, looking like tall purple burrs, are beginning to bloom along road-sides and in open meadows.

Wildflowers-

Early goldenrod, first of many goldenrods to bloom, becomes a harbinger of autumn as it adds bright yellow to shady open places along parkways.

The tall lavender blossoms of joe-pye weed may stand six feed tall in low wet places like Lake Isaac, in Big Creek Reservation, in Mill Stream Run Reservation and along Brecksville's Riverview Road.

Shrubs-

Crab apples become ripe this week, much to the delight of Cleveland Metroparks deer!

Birds-

As the days grow shorter, blackbirds begin to flock together to prepare for the long journey south. Surprisingly, the young of some species, who have never migrated before, often leave before the adults.

Young house wrens should have fledged by this week.

Wildflowers-

The brilliant reds of cardinal flowers contrast with the golds and greens of cattails and sedges in wet meadows and woods this week.

White boneset flowers and the rich purple of ironweed brighten marsh edges.

Insects-

Katydids and cicadas should be in full chorus by the end of the week.

Trees-

Tulip trees are turning yellow, black tupelo is turning crimson and sassafras is turning orange. Can autumn be far away?