In the Walker area, native basswood trees are first blooming, purple martins are feeding their nestlings, and the surface water temperature of Leech Lake is 70 degrees F, the cut-off for safe swimming. 4 - First cicada heard buzzing. Fireflies light up our 4th of July. Statewide, the average height of field corn increased 8 inches from a week ago to reach 37 inches, which is 1 inch above the 5-year average. 5 - Swamp milkweed blooming nicely.
Gardeners dig first new potatoes and are trying to beat the birds to the ripe raspberries.
Last ruby-throated hummingbird coming to feeder 30 minutes after sunset. American robin adults feeding juveniles out of nest from second brood. A wild turkey female and 9 young visit a feeding station in Apple Valley. Butterfly-weed and purple coneflowers blooming in Winona. 7 - Native basswood trees along Lake Waconia shore at full bloom and very fragrant.