Woodland skippers are the most common butterfly in Western Washington in late summer, especially out in fields and gardens.

Obviously, butterflies have a season just as flowers do. According to the Washington Butterfly Association, that season is from March to August or September. Enjoy those little flapping wonders while you’re out in the sunshine this weekend.

How do those little stick legs ever bear any weight?

And speaking of little nectar-sucking flapping wonders, have you heard a noise that sounds a bit like a bad-tempered cricket? Look up, down and all around, and you might see little baby Anna’s hummingbirds like this one, practising their flight skills. August is one of your best bets for hummingbird sightings, since we not only have our local year-round Annas, we also have Calliopes and Rufous hummingbirds coming and going.