The End of Summer Begins

Over the past few weeks, there has been a dramatic shift in our yard: birds are flocking, signaling the beginning of the end of summer.  As reported last time, Bushtits are raiding the suet feeders in flocks of 15-20 multiple times a day.  Lesser Goldfinches, which have been around all sumer in numbers of ~2-6, are now showing up daily in flocks of 7-10 and are emptying feeders much more quickly than usual.  Juvenile Rufous Hummingbirds have been almost constantly fighting over the nectar feeder, combining with Anna's Hummers to drink almost a cup of nectar over a three-day period.  Even Black-capped Chickadees are now moving around in groups of 3 or 4, as opposed to 1-2.


Male Lesser Goldfinch enjoying sunflower seed mix on a sunny afternoon.

With migration also (sometimes) comes unexpected visitors.  A female or juvenile (they look very similar) Black-headed Grosbeak was seen snacking on sunflower seed one evening a couple of weeks ago.  It is possible that it was "fattening up" for its flight to Mexico.  Other unusual (for us) year-round residents were also seen recently.  A Bewick's Wren was found probing through dead pine needles on top of our carport one afternoon.  A couple of female (or juvenile... they look similar) House Sparrows have also been seen around.  Hopefully they don't make a habit of stopping by, although something tells me that I won't be this lucky for much longer.


Female juvenile Rufous Hummer.  She flew up to me and displayed her tail feathers in anger afterwards.

Hopefully we'll have more species to report next time.  Until then...

• Posted at Thursday, August 23, 2007 10:13 PM
• In General Category | Permalink