First Katydid, High Summer

I heard the first katydid of the summer last evening just as the sun was setting. In addition, I noticed that the deep purple New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) flowers have appeared in the wet meadow in my favorite natural area. High summer is fully upon us here in the sweltering Mid-Atlantic. Unfortunately, for the last few days, it's been so hot and humid I have been keeping the air conditioner on and the windows closed, so I can't hear the katydids singing at twilight.

Firefly numbers are dwindling, too. I think they peaked early and then experienced a precipitous decline during the last week. I recall that fireflies used to be abundant until the end of July, but if current trends prevail, they'll be all but gone by the end of the month this year.

I wish that the same could be said of the mosquitoes, which seem to be doing just fine despite the bone-dry, rainless conditions.