Wildlife Signs of Summer - June

As June arrives, the UK's wildlife awakens and starts to thrive in the warm weather. It's the season where flowers start to bloom, birds migrate, and animals come out of hibernation to enjoy the summer months. From the delightful sound of birds singing to the sight of bees pollinating flowers, wildlife can be seen and heard all around us during this time. So, in this blog post, we'll explore some of the wildlife signs that signify the start of summer in the UK during the month of June.

Butterflies
As the weather warms up in June, you'll start to see more and more butterflies flitting around the gardens and parks of the UK. Look out for the orange and black wings of the Small Tortoiseshell, the striking blues of the Common Blue, and the delicate white and yellow of the Large White. Butterflies love to feed on nectar-rich flowers like buddleia, so keep an eye out for these plants if you're hoping to spot some fluttering wings. And don't forget to keep an eye out for their caterpillars too - you might spot them munching on the leaves of nettle plants, or hiding away in a chrysalis ready to emerge as a butterfly. Remember that butterflies are an important part of our ecosystem - they pollinate plants and are an important food source for other creatures like toads and baby birds. So next time you see one, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance.

Birds
June is the month when young birds take their first flight, although it can happen at any time of day. It's a critical moment for these little creatures as they become an easier catch for predators and are at risk of starvation. Compared to their parents, young birds usually have shorter tails and less developed wings.

One bird to look out for during this time of year is the Spotted Flycatcher. This bird of prey hunts for insects like slugs and grasshoppers by perching in trees and waiting for its prey to fly by. Unfortunately, these beautiful birds are in serious decline and can be found in specific habitats like churchyards, parks, mature gardens, and woodland with open glades.

Another exciting event that occurs in early summer is the activity of seabird cities. These large groups of seabirds can be found on cliffs, rocky islets, and coastal stacks. Seabirds like the Atlantic puffin and the common guillemot spend most of their year soaring over high seas and diving into the deep blue, far from land. However, in June, they return to shore to breed and raise their young, creating a spectacular display for anyone lucky enough to witness it.

Insects
Insects are an important part of the ecosystem, providing a vital role in pollination and pest control. June is a great month to spot them in the UK, particularly in churchyards, parks, mature gardens and woodland with open glades.

One insect that is often disliked but can actually help improve soils and provide food for beetles, birds, frogs and hedgehogs is the humble slug. If you do want to control them, there are plenty of nature-friendly ways to do so, such as using protective barriers, trapping and choosing less susceptible plants.

Grasshoppers are another insect to look out for in June. There are 11 different types of grasshoppers in the UK, which are easily recognized by their large, powerful legs and long wings. They sing during the day and are often seen sunbathing on walls or fences.

Crickets, on the other hand, sing at dusk and there are 23 different types of them in the UK. They are smaller than grasshoppers, and can often be heard but not seen.

While insects may seem insignificant, they play an important role in the food chain. They are an important food source for baby birds and other animals, and their presence can indicate a healthy and diverse ecosystem. So keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures as you enjoy the summer months!

Wild Flowers
One of the best things about summer in the UK is the explosion of wild flowers in our gardens, hedgerows and meadows. As the days get longer and the sun gets warmer, we can enjoy the sight of a rainbow of colours and a delightful array of fragrances.

From the early spring bloomers like daffodils and bluebells, to the midsummer poppies and meadow cranesbills, there are so many beautiful wild flowers to see in June. If you're a fan of wild flowers, now is the perfect time to take a stroll in the countryside or visit a local nature reserve to discover what's in bloom.

Some of the most iconic wild flowers in the UK include the foxglove, with its tall spikes of pink or purple flowers, and the delicate blue and white bells of the forget-me-not. The yellow buttercup is another common sight, along with the red campion and the cheerful daisy.

Wild flowers not only look beautiful, but they also play an important role in supporting our local wildlife. They provide food and shelter for insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential pollinators for many of our crops and plants. So, take some time to appreciate the wild flowers around you this June, and remember to leave them undisturbed for others to enjoy.

Toads
Toads are fascinating creatures that belong to the amphibian family, just like frogs. These plump, warty creatures have a wide range of habitats, from deserts to rainforests. Toads can be found on every continent except Antarctica, and are an important part of many ecosystems.
During the summer months, you may hear the distinct sound of a toad's mating call, known as a "trill". This sound is produced by male toads as a way to attract females. The trill can be quite loud, and is often described as a musical sound.

Toads can live up to 10 years in the wild, but unfortunately, their populations are declining in many areas. This is due to habitat loss and pollution. It's important that we do what we can to protect these amazing creatures.
One reason toads are important is because they are beneficial to the environment. They eat insects and other pests, helping to control populations and prevent damage to crops. So if you spot a toad in your garden or local park, consider yourself lucky and take a moment to appreciate these wonderful creatures.