A Northern Flicker was a surprise visitor one sunny September afternoon.
September is a busy and unpredictable month in our backyard. We’re sad to see our summer visitors leave us, but we look forward to the freshness of Fall. The Baltimore Orioles were gone by September 1st, and our last Ruby-throated Hummingbird sighting was September 13th. We still keep the sugar water feeders cleaned and refreshed in case of any stragglers.
The yard has been very busy with Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds, sometimes it’s hard to see the lawn for blackbirds, and oh boy, the noise! Music to our ears in a way though, the lively chatter of so many birds.
With Fall migration in full swing we never know what species is going to make an appearance in the backyard, and we have had some visitors that we don’t see very often. We were pleasantly surprised to have a Northern Flicker and Northern Mockingbird arrive in the yard on the same day.
A Northern Mockingbird pops in for a drink on a sunny afternoon.
We’ve also had had hints of the Fall/Winter season to come. Our Blue Jay numbers have increased and the Chickadees are returning. The hawks are back as well, a Sharp-shinned and Coopers are regulars to our backyard during the colder months. And probably the biggest hint of the colder months returning much to fast, our first Dark-eyed Junco of the season arrived September 30th!
A Blue Jay enjoys a peanut.
Our Chickadees have returned.
Fall brings in the hawks – Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Coopers Hawk
The cold blustery weather brought in our first Dark-eyed Junco Sept. 30th.
A rare bird-less moment in the backyard, a hawk must be around.
Always happy to see Monarch Butterflies in the backyard.
Enjoy the Fall birding, the snow will be flying before you know it!
Angie
I love that Blue Jay photo!