Singing Insect Chorus

Beginning in August, the songs of birds give way to the songs of insects. Meet BEEC naturalist Patti Smith at the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center to enjoy the choir. We will work our way to the summit of Heifer Hill, listening to and looking for katydids, tree crickets, ground crickets, and more. Using insect nets and magnifying boxes, we will get a close-up look at these musical insects. We’ll tell the temperature from the rich chirps of a snowy tree cricket and admire the antennae of a sword-bearing conehead. Which one is the “Nixon bug?” Learn to recognize the songs of some of the most recognizable species and listen for them in your own backyard.

Patti Smith has been studying and teaching about the natural world for decades. Her fascination with night-singing insects began over ten years ago, inspired by field guides that opened up the captivating world of crickets and katydids. Since then, she has led numerous evening insect safaris, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with curious learners of all ages. Patti looks forward to guiding you through the subtle and enchanting symphony of these humble yet remarkable creatures.