Young Summer Birds

The young summer birds are becoming independent now.  In a few weeks they will leave here for the south.  There are quite a few young Common Yellowthroats at the nearby wetlands.  They are mostly hidden behind the bushes.

"We are getting our own food now."

Far down the trail, inside a rosehip bush, there was someone shaking the branches very slightly.

I stayed still to see who was coming out.  

"Hi, there.  The morning sun is just right to find a bug here."

In another bush, in the reverse light, I found a young male Commonthroat.  The face is not as dark as matured.

"I am out for bug hunting this morning."

A Bug for Breakfast

 In the early morning, an Anna's Hummingbird was busy hunting for a bug.

"A bug is tasty!"

"Good for the breakfast."

"Now I can take a break."

Summer Birds

 A couple weeks ago, at the wetland, I saw a male Brown-headed Cowbird.  They nest around the reservoirs.

"Hi, I thought I could hide from you behind the leaves."

Halfway around the pond, I saw a Green Heron dashing out toward the right.

"As usual,  I am on a quick errand."

Purple Martins were busy and noisy around the top of  bushes.

"Ealy morning air is always nice for flying around."

Summer Backyard

 Anna's Hummingbirds are busy visiting here during the hot months.

"I love these hot lips."

Chestnut-backed Chickadees usually comes here during the cold months.  But lately, he has been here.  

"I think I can take a cold bath this summer here."

A Rufous Hummingbird comes here once in a while.   I hope they stay here longer toward the end of summer before leaving for the south.

"We are always moving between the south and 

the north.  One or two may stay here in August."
 

Hot Temperature

 The real hot weather has arrived here.  The temperature is around 100F for a few days.  Too hot.   Lately at the wetland, the wild rabbit has been friendly.  It comes close to us when we are walking.  

"I know you like to take my photos.  Here I am for a close-up."

In the early morning sun, a Western Wood Pewee is perched on the branch.

"I look like a flycatcher, but I am Western Wood Pewee, a summer bird around here."

"We are bright yellow male American Goldfinches."

Busy Families

 At the wetland, there are many families at this time of the year.

Here comes a Mallard mom with kids.

"My kids are growing up, but they still need someone to watch out👀👀."

Northern Shovelers are here, too.

"My kids can swim pretty good now💨💨."

In the bush nearby, a family of American Goldfinches were also busy feeding the young ones.

"I am hungry.  Daddy, hurry up!😋😍"

A Stranger at the Wetland

I have visited the nearby wetland for ten years, but I had not seen this one till today.

First I sensed something moving in the weeds.  I waited for a little while.  Then a new bird unknown to me stepped out of  the bush.  Quickly he ran past me.  At that moment I was too close to focus my lens.

So here it is, blurred in despair💦💧😭.

A big blur

 

Then he marched across the trail in high speed to disappear into the bush on the other side.

"I need to get out of this danger💨💨💨🙏🙏."

He fast became invisible in the dry weeds.

"I am in the safe zone😊😉😁. "

 

Afterwards, I paged through National Geographic's Birds of Western North America, I found it was Sora, a summer bird which stays here only during the summer months.   I was very lucky to encounter a new bird😀.