Fall is Here.

The temperature this summer was very strange:  it went up to the extreme of 116 F and now  it  is already cold (44 F on my patio) in the morning.    Global warming is leading to this extreme fluctuation.

At the nearby wetland, a family of Lesser Goldfinches were flying around here and there.   They will pretty soon move back to a backyard.

"It is getting cold here in the morning, Mom."

The water level was low, so one Lesser Yellowlegs was strolling for food.

"All my friends are elsewhere.  I may be able to find a fish easily."

One American White Pelican was floating in the water by himself.  Maybe more of his friends are to arrive pretty soon.  They will eventually go down to the south for winter.

"I have to rest for a while before a long distance travel."

On the Way to the South

In my backyard bees are still busy all summer long.

At the wetland, one Lesser Yellowlegs was strolling on the shallow water.  They must be gradually migrating from Alaska to the south now.  

"Hi, I am an early bird.  More of my friends will arrive here soon."

In the bush close to a pond, I heard a little noise.  There you are.  It is was matured male Common Yellowthroat.  His feathers are rather worn out due to his age.

"Hi, I come to this area every summer.  It is a nice and safe place for us."

End of Summer is Near.

 Earlier this month, I saw a big flock of Long-billed Dowitchers.  Usually they are more in the north during the summer months.  Maybe they have already came down here for migration.

        "Lots of food here.  Munch, munch..."

"The sun is getting bright.  We have 

to finish our breakfast quickly."

Next to the pond, several Lesser Goldfinches were busy feeding on the wildflower seeds.

"We just love these fresh seeds.  They are better 

than the ones at the backyard feeders."

Late Summer

 At the wetlands, most of the birds finished raising their young ones.  Right now  the young ones are learning to be on their own and their parents are enjoying the summer.

Everyone likes to perch high on a dead pole.

Belted Kingfisher:  "I am looking for a fish to eat."

Purple Martin:  "I am looking for a bug to eat."

Green Heron:  "I am looking for my kid.  He just took off."

Busy Hummingbirds

The mid summer flowers are in bloom.  Crocosmia is one of them.  

 

One time I planted one in the backyard and  the other time I did another in the front yard.  Neither did well.  So this year I tried to use a plant pot to see how it does next year.  The hummingbird loves the plant and quickly spotted this addition the other day.

"I've been looking for this."

"I like this purple sage, too."