9 October 2013 - Fall birds

Fall is definitely here. Not only are the trees swapping out their summer greens for brighter yellow and orange hues, but the birds frequenting my yard are changing. I haven't seen a hummingbird in a week, but the feeders are still out in case of migrating stragglers. 


The last two days have seen large flocks of cedar waxwings stopping in to eat Russian olive berries on their way down south.

 This group had many still in juvenile coloration. They have perky little crests, but his is not showing in this picture. 

I haven't seen any flickers since April and they are busy in the yard now as well. The undersides of their wings are the same orange as under the tail. They are gorgeous as they fly overhead. 

This last week, we had some colder mornings that brought the first towhees in. They like to flit about in the underbrush. 

The magpies are showing up again. These must be my regulars as they swoop in to check out the spot I put cat food out for them last winter. And yes, I am putting cat food out again. The boys don't like to eat the middles of the dry cat food. The magpies think it's great. Nothing like a no waste solution.

Today I saw the first junco. Just one, but it was checking out the feeders. 

Maybe it will be back with friends. We are supposed to have a chilly weekend, rain with possible snow showers. Could see more changes!