August: the summer’s last stand
Written and Edited
By Simer Dhume
As we step into August, I remember a quote from A Line Made by Walking, by Sara Baume, “This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realise that it is August: the summer’s last stand.” It’s in the last month of summer one wants to accomplish everything outdoorsy before we hurtle towards another fall. Though every season has its own beautiful charm, saying goodbye to summer isn’t easy. It stirs up emotions ranging from the joys of childhood memories to nostalgic remembrance of more recent summers and the excitement of our hopes and plans for the seasons to come. Do you relate to it all?
On my recent visit to Central Park, I spotted a Gray Catbird singing, perched on a big rock in the lush and dense Ramble. It sang to it’s heart’s desire and I stood there listening to it’s melody for coon’s age.
How to identify a Gray Catbird?
Gray Catbird is a very distinctive mimid. Though, it generally remains hidden in the understory of dense thickets woodlands and residential areas. It often cocks its longish, black tail, and is usually detected by its harsh, down slurred mew call, reminiscent of a cat’s meow. A chunky, medium-size bird, it is larger than Catharus thrushes yet smaller than other thrashers. No other North American bird has a uniform dark gray plumage. Monotypic. Length 8.5″. (Source: National Geographic)
August in New York City is especially beautiful and the best time to visit. To help you make the most of summer’s last stand, Hints Of Life shares 10 absolute best outdoor things to do this August in NYC. Although most of us are vaccinated, being outdoors is still the safest.
An exposed leaf bathed in raindrops | Picture credit: pexels
Celebrating August rains or the famous monsoon in India, our guest writer pens a heartfelt poem. We advice, sit back, relax, and savor “Tranquil Storms’ by Sugandh Swani.
Sugandh Swani is a Public Relations professional and a poet at heart. To know more about her poetic endeavors follow @sugandhswani on instagram and twitter.
Share your heartfelt nature stories at heartfeltnaturetales@hintsof.life.
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I have never heard of a catbird. I will be on the lookout for one.
Thank you for stopping by Bernadette. Let me know if you see a catbird. Good luck! They mostly hide in dense woodlands and residential areas. I spotted one during my run in Central Park. Have a great week! 😊🙏
Nice blog!
Do visit to my blog and follow it if you like.
Thanks for stopping by Shristy! Much appreciate!! 😊 Following you. You’re paintings are beautiful. 😊
Such a sweet and beautiful read. Never heard of a catbird too. Great post.
Thank you so much boundlessblessings! It was a first for me too as I spotted the catbird in Central Park a few times. Have a great week!! 😊
You are always welcome and you too have a lovely week ahead. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you so much boundlessblessings! It was a first for me too as I spotted the catbird in Central Park a few times. Have a great week!! 😊