But with fall migration
some birds that have not been so present all summer are coming back, like the Nuthatches and Chickadees. I am keeping my eyes peeled for a Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak or Redbreasted Nuthatch who might pass through / come to stay for the fall and winter, and am thinking about possible feeder and bath setups for the cold season.
The Orioles
have started to leave, but as of today, there are still some coming. The jelly vanishes more slowly now, but I am still keeping a dish full out for them. These two are from the weekend. Fall migration is always a bit sad. The winter birds are fun too but they are nowhere near as vibrant as the summer crowd.
This sweet little man
is still coming around regularly to get strong and pretty for the journey to his winter quarters. The white spots on his belly are the sheaths that house the new feathers.
Video: molting Hummer
I have mounted one of the Birdsy cameras by the Hummingbird feeder again. Now that the Orioles are slowly starting to migrate, Hummingbird activity might increase a bit for a couple of weeks. This one appears to be molting on the head.
The Hummingbird feeder
is more popular than ever during this summer with so little Hummingbird action. They are here, they are even still nesting, so keep those feeders up and clean and make sure the nectar is fresh. Avoid the red stuff from the stores, you can easily make it yourself with one part sugar and four parts water (no chlorinated tap water). I also still have Orioles, but the males are becoming rarer. This one might be a migrant on his way south.
