The Marion County Conservation Department released their July Nature Notes on Monday. According to Marion County Naturalist Marla Mertz, most songbirds have nested and fledged in the area, with the exception of Iowa’s State bird, which waits until late July to early August. Mertz says that the young bald eagles have been seen trying out their wings and hunting skills. Mertz also noted that numerous butterflies are being spotted, with more expected to flourish in the area as the summer flowers bloom. Butterfly species that have been located around the area and the banks of Red Rock include Black swallowtails, common buckeyes, monarchs, and painted ladies, among others.