July is the first complete month of summer, with the breeding season finished for most animals in Scotland.
Many creatures are now bringing up their young, with important lessons in hunting and survival on the schedule for the long days.
Birds are encouraging their chicks to fledge – leaving the nest for the first time and trying out wings as yet untested.
And, as humans enter into their summer holiday season, they will be in closer contact with nature than at any other time – as camping trips, long walks and even trips to the park open up opportunities to see some of the birds, plants and animals we share our country with.
Here are 10 things to look out for in the natural world in July.
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5. Meet a woolly bear
If you are walking across a patch of Scottish moorland this July, keep an eye on the ground for one of our most impressively furry caterpillars. The Fox Morth larvae, affectionately known as a woolly bear' is widespread, often spotted crossing paths, and will curl up into a tightly-coiled circle if frightened. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

6. See the animal behind one of the most distinctive noises in nature
July is peak time for grasshoppers, crickets and groundhoppers. They are easy to hear, with the distinctive chirping sound made by rubbing a hind leg against the stiff outer edge of their wing, but harder to see. Stand completely still near the undergrowth where you think they are, wait for the calls to start, then see if you can spot them and identify the species. The Common Green Grasshopper (pictured) is particularly widespread. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

7. The comeback kid of Scottish butterflies
The Comma butterfly is easily identified by it's ususually-shaped wings - which make for perfect camouflage against a backdrop of dried leaves. The insect was thought to be extinct in Scotland for many years but there have been increasing sightings in recent times, with experts thinking that they are now breeding north of the border. In July the butterflies are laying their eggs on nettles for the first of two broods of the year. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

8. Welcome colourful visitors to the garden
July is a great chance to see some of our most colourful garden birds visiting feeders and bird tables - look out for the likes of the Goldfinch (pictured), Greenfinch, and Chaffinch. Photo: Canva/Getty Images