SEPTEMBER 2008

We saw our last hummingbird about 3 days ago now. It is still possible to see a few stragglers in early October so we will keep the feeder full with fresh nectar.  We miss their constant activity around the yard. Cooler weather is pushing in and with it prospects for a few new migrants to show up at or around our feeders and backyard. Robins, Bluebirds, Catbirds and others have been feasting on the crab apples and berries in our yard.

We have started to see a slight increase in warblers in the yard as of late. In addition, a Bluebird family visits the yard from time to time. The activity at the Hummingbird feeders is frantic with much fighting over use of the feeder. We saw one on a feeder the other day that looked as if it had started to bulk up for the long and dangerous journey south to Central and South America. We will miss them and wish them luck on their long flight.

The Cedar Waxwings in our small Maple tree have fledged! They are remaining close to the old nest and tree now but we are happy they made it through the last 2 or 3 weeks. We've been deluged by torrential rainfall this month. We've had 7.45 inches in the last 3 days alone and were concerned about the welfare of the nestlings. Happily they made it through our recent inclement weather.

Last night a Great Horned owl was hooting nearby. In the distance we could hear another answering. At one point it sounded like the owl was at the window...is was so loud! We suspect that it was in a tree no more than 40 feet from the house.

Also, fall migration has begun. Many birds such as warblers that breed in the boreal forests up north in Canada and in the northern portions of the U.S., move south in the fall to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. They migrate at night and if you listen closely you can hear their faint flight calls. We've been hearing many such calls just before sunrise over the last few mornings.

The Cedar Waxwing young have hatched! We can see their heads poking just above the nest at feeding time. We were a bit concerned as yesterday was an all day rain (that was much needed). Rain can be tough on nestlings without feathers. Looks like they made it through OK with the help of the adults of course. :)