Nina Manzi

Afton State Park phenology, July 10 to 16

Summer is still sweet as the season progresses.

Creatures large and small are growing up in the woods, prairies, and waters of the park.

Insects intensifying, baby birds being born, woods fill with flowers.

Many migratory birds are making their way back to the St. Croix Valley.

Life of all kinds emerges from winter’s grip.

Male red-winged blackbirds have returned and owls await hatchlings.

Hours of daylight have been gained since the winter solstice, and it shows.

The first migrating birds are finding their way back north while maple sap will soon start running.

Mild weather may bring out several species of mammals and even bees.

Sun dogs in the sky and skunks on the prowl.