16 August 2025

There were so many things to see this week that it was hard to choose my favorites.

Tall ironweed, above, was halfway gone to seed at Frick Park but was gorgeous despite the spent flowers.

Two rare-to-Pittsburgh bird species showed up at the mouth of Flaugherty Run. I stopped by to see the sanderling (Calidris alba) on Sunday but missed 15 avocets (Recurvirostra americana) on Tuesday because I did not go see them immediately. Avocets in Pittsburgh are a One Day Wonder; they never stay more than a few hours.

At Schenley Park on Wednesday I encountered six deer: one buck, 3 does and 2 “teenage” fawns. One of the does was closely associated with the buck and stayed with him when he crossed the valley. Here they are eating.

On Thursday at Frick Park the field of wild senna was humming with at least 100 bumblebees. It was awesome to see so many in one place. (I counted!)

Venus and Jupiter spent the week in conjunction and trading places. The process began with Venus on the right, then Jupiter ultimately moved above her as seen in this day-by-day slideshow.

It’s unusual to have clear skies night after night in Pittsburgh but we’re in an almost-drought so we have no clouds and no rain — except for a thunderstorm on Wednesday. Despite that precipitation, dry conditions continue in the city.

The U.S. Drought Monitor now acknowledges we are Abnormally Dry as of 12 August.