What's Going on with Birds - Late August / Early September

There's a lot going on with the birds right now.  In late August and early September, here's some things to look for:

Molting Birds - Many birds are going through a total or partial molt of feathers.  They might have a dissheveled look until their molt is complete.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

Molting Dark-eyed Junco
Check out the tail and top of head especially

 

Migrating Birds - Fall migration is underway so keep an eye out for migrating birds like warblers, native sparrows, and other non-resident birds.

Black-throated Blue Warbler (2010)

 

Young Goldfinches - American Goldfinches are amongst the latest nesting birds in our area.  Young birds are just leaving the nest so listen and watch for their begging. 

American Goldfinch fledgling and mom

 

Hummingbird changes - Take time to enjoy the hummingbirds in your yard - within 1-2 weeks, all but a straggler or two will be gone! 

And get this: banding studies show that at this time of year, all the hummingbirds you see at your feeder one day will be replaced the next day by a new group of migrating hummingbirds.  

Also, take a good hard look at your hummingbirds; if there is a light striping on the neck (like the bird below), it is a juvenile male.  He'll have his beautiful red throat by next spring.

Young Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird

 

Everyday is a great day to watch the birds, but when significant changes are taking place, it's especially interesting and fun to observe those changes!  Let us know what you're seeing in your yard.

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Kelly, lucky you, still seeing hummingbirds!

[Kelly's birdhouses]

I'm still seeing hummingbirds but I'll be sure to enjoy them until they are going.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Barbara - late summer hummingbirds are tough to call but it helps that the young male has some striping. Get those bins fixed for fall migration!!

[Barbara]

Thanks for the tip about the juvenile male hummer, I saw one yesterday and wondered if it were molting or what. Now I know. And I've had quite a few new birds descending on feeders, chowing down and leaving. But my bins fell and are no longer of any use - I need to get them repaired quickly... as you said so much of interest in the backyard birding world right now!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Daniel, great observations! Lots of people are happy that the grackles are flocking for migration. Thanks for sharing what's going on in Price Edward County.

[Daniel LaFrance]

We're still witnessing daily visits to our hummingbird feeder. We believe it is a female but it could be a male juvenile.

Migration is in on; our summer Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have departed as have our House Wren's.

Bluejays and Crackles have been showing up in larger flocks and emptying our feeders in record time.

Location: Prince Edward County