Happening in Nature - May

• Peregrine Falcon males begin courting the larger females this month.

• Ospreys return! Watch for Ospreys as they begin readying their nests near water with plenty of fish 
  nearby.

• The beautiful Purple Martins return!

• Evening Grosbeaks return to bird feeding stations for sunflower seed treats.

• Last chance to see these Migratory birds as they will soon depart: Snow Geese, American Widgeon, 
  Surf Scoter, Dunlin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gold-crowned Sparrow.

• Migratory arrivals: Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, Vaux's Swift, 
  flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewee, Swainson’s Thrush and Yellow Warbler.

• Penstemon, a favorite flower of hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, should be blooming this month.

• Black Cottonwoods shed their cottony seeds on breezy days.

• With all these blooming flowers, keep an eye out for Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies!

• Turquoise-colored male Lazuli Buntings sing while rich brown females incubate eggs.

Nature Events

• Eta Aquarids meteor shower is usually early May.

• Time to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day! This event is usually held mid-May.

• Greys Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival is held early this month! Want to know more? 
  Check out: www.shorebirdfestival.com
• Vancouver's Bird week is held this month! Head on over the border to Canada to enjoy this wonderful 
  festival! www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/bird-week.aspx