While migration is going on,
we might often see birds that can be a bit confusing to identify. They are the youngsters from last year and are still molting into their adult plumage or females that are usually more shy. In the last two days, I saw some of this in Rosebreasted Grosbeaks and Redwinged Blackbirds (the third picture is a female).
More rain also means
more photos of wet Blue Jays! I hope you are not getting sick of seeing these because I still love them dearly. They are just so nice to study the patterns and structure of the plumage. And I just love the long faces too. I am still lagging a bit behind with processing photos but I am catching up, so there will be more possibly tonight or in the morning.
Birds have evolved from dinosaurs,
and in the middle of summer, this begins to show with many of them. They are molting, changing their old feathers for new ones, and reveal some more or less dramatic looks. They are not sick, and they will appreciate high quality food and clean water for bathing that itchy skin. Yes, the hole next to the eyes is the ear. These are Grackles and Orioles.
Red-winged Blackbirds
have quite the variety when it comes to their plumage and colors. Epaulet intensity and overall feather patterns are depending on their gender as well as their age, and I guess the individual bird too. This speckled specimen is a young adult male. He still shows some of the beautiful baby pattern but is growing into the black, glossy plumage of the adult males. Just what the goofball in the gif is showing off.
This is a bit
of a boring time at the feeders, but the peeps are plenty. Goldfinches start nesting late in the season but they are starting to change their plumage, and they are becoming much more agitated. They look so funny with their patchwork feathers. I also saw the first Robins of the year today and the BBs have continued to work on their nest. Spring is coming!
More snow today!
And the Goldfinches were plenty. Some of them are already starting to get patches of brighter yellow, slowly transitioning to their mating plumage.
The most interesting
House Finch is still frequenting the yard, and I am always excited to see him and explore his fabulous plumage. I have no idea what he ate this summer, but it looks like he knows what he is doing.
Here’s to an eclectic Tuesday!