Von Voyage

We had heavy rain on Monday. But the next day was sunny with some clouds:   a good day for a flight to south.

Some fuchsia flowers are still in bloom, but it is the time to leave.

A young Rufous Hummingbird, fattened up, told me he was to leave now.

"Thanks a million for all the nectar."

"This is my favorite one.  Plant this next year again."

"See you next spring."

A Big Gathering

The other day we encountered a big party of white birds at another wetland nearby.   Probably a dozen Great Egret families, feeding, and flying around.   

Some are running around.

For a nice family shot, say "Cheese."

Beautiful birds indeed.

Sunflower

The sunflower season.   The bees are around collecting honey. 

Further, they help to pollinate the fruit trees and without them people get no fruits.

A few years ago, the city workers sprayed too much and the bees dropped to the ground in hundreds.  Since then, we learned the critical lesson.  I use no spray in my backyard.

Lesser Goldfinches love to nibble the leaves.

 "Now I am ready to eat  sunflower seeds in the feeder."

Pacific Flyway

Oregon is part of the Pacific Flyway Zone for birds to travel between Alaska and Mexico.  During the spring and fall seasons, birds travel the long distance.

The other day, I saw one flycatcher in the backyard.  It looks like a Lesser Goldfinch in size, but has a bit different face and perches on the clothesline rather vertically.  Whenever catching a bug, it comes back to the same perched point.  It was here early in the morning and came back in the evening to catch more bugs.  Next day, it left for south.

"Hi, I am a Dusky Flycatcher.  Just stopped 

over for a day and I am on the way to south."

There are many flycatchers and they all look alike.  But after some reading, I decided this one must be a Dusky Flycatcher.

"Look closely my beak and eye ring to identify me."

"I am leaving soon.  See you next year."

The End of Summer

Last time when I was at the wetland, I saw a flock of American White Pelicans.  They stay here for a while in the beginning of Autumn.

I was very happy to find Common Yellowthroat still here.  They will get ready soon to travel back to south.

"Hi, I am a young male Common Yellowthroat.

 I will be leaving for my winter home soon."

Rufous Hummingbirds are now heading back to south.  I see different ones every week in my backyard.

"Every summer I stop over at your 

place.   The hotlips are my favorite nectar."

One of the Friendliest Ones

This summer, a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches came here many times during the day.  They like to peck on the suet. 

"Take a good shot."

Sometimes it likes to take a morning bath.

"I like a cool bath."

The other day, it was curious about the fountain water.

"Does this water taste better?"

Mid Summer Morning

This summer I try to visit the wetlands once a week to see any changes.   This time in mid summer, there were many young American Goldfinches and Lesser Goldfinches (smaller).

I saw a couple of Belted Kingfishers diving for food and at the same time fighting for territory.

"I am a better fisher!"

Young House Finches were busy munching the new flower seeds.

"Munch, munch... fresh seeds are so delicious."