Just a few Yard Birds

 Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird 8-17-14

With migration already underway in August, this might have been the last male Ruby-throated hummingbird I saw for the season.

Turkey Vultures are migrating as well, but I have still seen a few around town.

I saw this one flying over my yard on August 17th.

Chipping sparrows 8-17-14

Chipping Sparrows are still here but will soon be gone as well.

A juvenile Chipping Sparrow waits for a turn at the feeder 8-17-14

 

 Immature Broad-winged Hawk 8-19-14

On certain days I have seen 6-8 Broad-wings migrating over my yard at one time!

My last female Ruby-throat was seen just a few days ago on September 24.

There were plenty of female hummingbirds still hanging around Mere Point until the spotted jewelweed they were feeding on wilted. Their numbers dropped off dramatically after that!

The Blue Jays are back in force after being elusive all summer! 9-24-14

 

Goldfinches are already molting back to their dull winter plumage 9-24-14

 

I’m already preparing for winter by moving the feeders into positions where I cannot only see the birds, but can get to the feeders more easily. I just moved this feeder over to the south side of the house where it can be seen from the dining room windows! I had to get the pole in the ground while it was still unfrozen!

It will be fun to see what bird species this Fall and winter brings. I am hoping I will finally cross the 100 species mark for Yard Birds!

Note: My camera lens motor is failing me and I really need to decide if I am going to buy a new lens or a new camera. Please bear with me while I figure this out. In the meantime, my photos are a bit more fuzzy because the camera chatters and shakes whenever I try to focus on anything. I usually wait until it stops to snap the photo, but by then the birds have usually flown away form the noise! Grrrr! If I change cameras, then I will have to get a new photo processing program as the one I have goes with my Nikon D80. So, we will see!