Wildlife in August – What to look out for

August is a fascinating time in the natural world, filled with abundant wildlife activity. From birds and mammals to celestial events and garden delights, there’s so much to observe and explore. Here’s our list of things to look for in August, and activities to engage children with the outdoors.

Birds in August

As summer wanes, many bird species in the UK undergo significant changes. The breeding season concludes, and many birds, including warblers and cuckoos, begin their migration to warmer climates. However, some birds remain active and visible.

Bird Watching Highlights:

• The nightjar: An elusive bird often associated with heathlands, can be spotted at dusk, making its unique “churring” call. 
• Tawny owls: Younger Tawny Owls begin to explore and hunt independently in August. You may hear their distinctive calls in the evening as they develop their hunting skills.
• Moulting Season: Blackbirds and robins are busy moulting, replacing old feathers with new ones. This makes them less visible and quieter than usual.
• Raptors (predatory birds): Look out for young birds of prey, such as buzzards and goshawks, which are often very vocal as they learn to hunt.
• Seabirds: Coastal areas are teeming with life. Species like oystercatchers, ringed plovers, and sandwich terns are commonly seen along the shores.
• Migratory Birds: August is a prime month for spotting ospreys, as they pass through the UK on their migration to Africa.

Mammals: A Time of Growth and Preparation

In the mammal world, August is a crucial time for young animals to gain independence and prepare for the upcoming autumn.

Mammal Watching Tips:

• Fox Cubs: By now, fox cubs are almost fully grown and spend less time near the den. They are honing their hunting skills, catching insects and earthworms, and practicing with live prey. As they explore more of their parents’ territory, especially males, they face lots of dangers, such as busy roads. By autumn, the family unit breaks down, and many cubs disperse to find their own territory.
• Deer Rutting Season: Roe deer bucks are particularly active, marking their territories and engaging in the rut. This is a fantastic time to observe their behaviour.
• Hedgehogs: While still breeding, hedgehogs may visit gardens for food and water. Leave out fresh water to help them through dry spells. Hedgehogs become increasingly active as they forage extensively to build up fat reserves before hibernation. They’re a symbol of August wildlife, representing the need to prepare for the colder months ahead.
• Badgers: In the UK, badgers are active in August, preparing for winter by foraging for food like earthworms, insects, and seasonal fruits such as blackberries and apples. They also maintain their setts, the underground burrows where they live. Cubs born earlier in the year start to explore further from the sett, gaining independence. As days shorten, badgers become more nocturnal, foraging mostly at night.

Reptiles: Basking in the Sun

Reptiles are at their most visible in August, making it a great time to spot them.

Reptile Watching:

• Grass Snakes: They can be found throughout England and Wales but not in Scotland, and are often seen in gardens with ponds where they hunt. Timid by nature, they may play dead or release a foul smell when threatened. As the UK’s longest native snake, they can grow up to 150 cm. August is a time when eggs hatch in warm, rotting vegetation. The young are skilled swimmers, feeding on small fish and amphibians.

• Common Lizards: These reptiles can often be seen basking in the sun on rocks, logs, or even garden walls. They are quick to dart away if disturbed, so approach quietly to observe them closely.

Celestial Events: August Skies

August offers some spectacular celestial events, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts.

Celestial Highlights:

• Perseid Meteor Shower: Peaking around August 12th, this meteor shower is one of the most dazzling displays, with up to 100 meteors per hour.
• Full Sturgeon Moon: Named by Native American tribes, the August full moon (around August 22nd) is called the Sturgeon Moon, marking a period when sturgeon fish are plentiful.

Garden Activities and Wildlife

August is a busy month in the garden, with plenty of activities to attract and support wildlife.

Garden Tips:

• Butterflies: Look for butterflies like the red admiral and peacock fluttering around buddleia and other nectar-rich plants.
• Pond Life: Ponds are buzzing with activity. Watch for dragonflies and damselflies skimming the water surface.
• Fruit Harvesting: Blackberries and other fruits are ripening. Picking these up can be a fun and rewarding activity for children.
• Dragonflies: They are particularly abundant in August, patrolling ponds and streams in search of prey. Their aerial acrobatics are a joy to watch, and they play a vital role in controlling insect populations.

Engaging Children with Nature

Getting children outdoors and connected with nature is essential for their development and well-being. August provides numerous opportunities for exploration and learning.

Fun Activities for Kids:

• Bug Hunts: Equip children with magnifying glasses and guide them on a bug hunt in the garden or local park. Look for beetles, butterflies, and grasshoppers.
• Nature Crafts: Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create nature-inspired crafts. Press flowers or make leaf rubbings to bring a bit of nature indoors.
• Bird Feeding Stations: Set up a bird feeding station and keep a journal of the different species that visit. This can teach children about local wildlife and the importance of caring for it.

 

Foraging in August:

August is also a time of abundance in terms of fruits and berries, both in the wild and in gardens.

• Blackberries: These are at their best in August. They provide food for many animals and can be picked for delicious homemade treats.
• Hazelnuts: Ripening now. Hazelnuts are often scattered by squirrels. They’re a delightful snack for both wildlife and humans.
• Crab Apples: Crab apples are small, tart fruits that are commonly found on wild apple trees in hedgerows, woodlands, and even urban parks. They can be harvested late summer to autumn and are best used in jellies, sauces, or chutneys due to their high pectin content, which helps in setting preserves.
• Elderberry: Elderberries grow in clusters on elder trees, which are often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens. The dark purple-black berries ripen in late summer to early autumn. Elderberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them ideal for syrups, wines, jams, or even herbal remedies, though they must be cooked before consumption to remove toxins.
• Rowan Berries: Rowan berries, also known as mountain ash berries, are small, bright orange-red fruits found on rowan trees in woodlands, upland areas, and gardens. Harvested in late summer to early autumn, they have a bitter taste when raw but can be used to make jellies, jams, or infused spirits, often paired with other fruits to balance the flavour.
• Fungi: In woodlands, you may see fungi begin to emerge, with species like the fly agaric adding colour to the forest floor. These are an early sign of the coming autumn and provide an exciting discovery during nature walks.

Helping Wildlife in August

There are many ways to support wildlife in August. Here are a few ideas:

Providing Water

Ensure there is a fresh supply of water in your garden for birds and other wildlife. A shallow dish or birdbath can provide much-needed hydration during hot days.

Planting for Pollinators

Planting flowers that bloom in late summer, such as sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias, can provide a vital food source for pollinators as they prepare for autumn.

Reducing Pesticides

Minimize the use of pesticides in your garden. These chemicals can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the natural balance of your garden’s ecosystem.

Creating Wildlife Habitats

Creating habitats for wildlife in your garden can attract a variety of species. Build a log pile for insects, put up bird boxes, or create a small pond for amphibians. These simple actions can make a big difference in supporting local wildlife.

 

August is a month of transformation in the natural world. From the moulting of birds to the independence of young mammals and the spectacle of celestial events, there’s no shortage of wonders to explore. By engaging with nature and involving children in outdoor activities, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the environment and its inhabitants.

 

Resources for Teachers and Families

Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.

For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast for kids.  Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.

For more detailed information on wildlife activities in August, check out resources like the RSPB and Wildlife Online.

Remember to visit other pages on our site for more seasonal updates and nature-related activities to enjoy with your family!

 

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