Coleene wrote:

> here-central 
> lower Michigan-I was wondering if what I am seeing is just here or 
> elsewhere as well. 
> 
> Today is July 20 and I am seeing Goldenrod starting to bloom and 
> Knapweed is in full bloom.  The Milkweed is done,the Asters are 
> ready to pop and there is a local farmer that is getting ready to 
> harvest corn!  Everything is about 4 weeks early. 

The following was reported on a NY state bird email list (similar in 
function to Bee-L), referring to birds on Long Island, NY

We're certainly not in the back end of Summer on July 21, but it was hard
not to get that impression this evening (7:45) when a mixed flock 
containing
200-250 Common Grackles and over 1000 Starlings rose up from various trees
on my block and flew right over my yard, heading west to wherever they
planned to roost. I just uncovered the air conditioner less than a month
ago, but based on those birds I may have to prep the furnace soon!


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