It seems lately we’re seeing an early migration, or perhaps fledglings exploring the greater environment. Here are a few days of yard sightings from today and recent days…
Perhaps the most interesting sighting has been this leucitic, juvenile American goldfinch that visited the yard on two non-consecutive days.
We have two male Anna’s hummingbirds contesting control of the yard with each other and at least one female Rufous hummingbird. The males don’t seem to be mortal enemies at all times and I’ve suspected that one might be the other’s offspring. The adult male is probably the same one that over-wintered here this last season.
Just for good measure here’s a female Anna’s hummingbird feeding on salvia in the yard…
We’ve had two, and possibly three, batches of California quail this season. (One of these years, if I live long enough, I’m going to figure out where these birds go in winter!) Nature takes a heavy toll before these birds reach adulthood. Just recently two of the coveys combined giving an extra set of eyes and ears for protection.
The yard is full of American goldfinches and they’re eating us out of house and home. Here’s a photo of a male feeding a juvenile some of our sunflower seed…
This Orange-crowned warbler visited the watercourse late yesterday afternoon…
And finally, here’s a juvenile Western tanager that visited the yard and watercourse just this (8/7/2017) morning…
