Exploring The Last Green Valley: Finding beauty in a summer day Bill Reid The Summer Solstice may be in June, but for us New Englanders it is July when summer really starts. The heat of the season draws me outdoors to the wealth of beauty right out my doorstep. Here is what I’ve been seeing so far and what I’ll be looking for as we slide toward the “dog days of August.” New birds seem to be everywhere. Fledgling robins, bluebirds and cardinals have mastered the art of flying. While they don’t have the beautiful plumage of their parents, the sight of them is a splendor to behold. They join their parents in groups in our trees, begging for food. Some are even bold enough to join their parents at the feeder.