At the Backyard

 A bumble bee at the end of summer in my backyard

"buz, buz, buz.  I found a new nectar here."

This summer a young Black-capped Chickadee enjoys the fountain bath often.

"I like this bath, just fitting to my size."

"I like this clothesline under the patio 

roof.  I am taking a rest from the glaring sun."

Juvenile Summer Birds

 A little bee is busy collecting the nectar on the wild flowers at the end of summer.

Summer birds are getting ready for a long trip to south.  This  juvenile male Common Yellowthroat has a pale dark cheek.  He is a juvenile probably just born this spring.

"I am almost independent.   I have to fatten up before a long trip."

Here is another one hiding in the bush.

"My mom told me to watch out for noise people make."

End of Summer

When I visit the reservoir early in the morning, Wood Ducks are spending their summer at this pond.

"We like to see the sun rise."

A young House Wren posed for my photos.

"I am not scared of you."

Lesser Goldfinches are busy munching seeds from summer flowers at the end of the season.

"We like all the dry seeds."

Return to South

 Wisteria blooms for the second time during summer.  Swallowtail butterflies like to get its nectar.

Rufous Hummingbirds began their return back to south.   Each one stops over here for a day or so.

Their shiny pretty back

A Swallow Family

During summer, many swallows nest around here.

When I saw these swallows at the reservoir, I thought  they must be Tree Swallows　that I always see.  But they happened to be  Purple Martins, a different kind of swallows.

Middle one:  "I am a male Purple Martin."

Right one:     "I am a female Purple Martin."

Hidden:  "I am a scared young Purple Martin. 

 My mom is protecting me when everyone is

 making a fuss around here.  She is tough."

"I am a dad, acting as a sentinel."