Ask naturalists to rank the seasons by their level of interest and most would place summer last on the list. Of course, there are exceptions, especially for those focused on insects, amphibians and reptiles, and, to be honest, each season offers its special rewards when it comes to flora and weather.
But summer induces a general slowdown for most species of wildlife as the midday heat suppresses activity. The mating and nesting seasons are over, there are no migrants passing through and the abundance of food diminishes the need to forage any significant distance. Furthermore, many birds and mammals limit their excursions to the early morning and evening hours.
Late summer does bring an influx of avian wanderers and the first substantial wave of migrants (especially shorebirds) but that seems far off as we endure the summer heat. Facing a longer summer season as our climate warms, we best learn to enjoy it.
