Birds of Early Fall

Northern Flicker (female)

Early fall might be my favorite time of year. For as much as I love summer, by late August, I almost always experience an end-of-summer malaise. And this year was no exception. By that time, the heat and high humidity have worn out their welcome, and the first signs of fall are a most refreshing sight.

To celebrate the change in seasons, I created a DIY pumpkin feeder for the small songbirds who visit my backyard. I did the same thing with my post-Thanksgiving pumpkins last year. The birds seem to enjoy the new feeder, and it makes for some cute and festive photographs.

Tufted Titmouse

Fall migration is well underway. I am still seeing some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at my feeders and in my garden, but their activity has decreased dramatically. (They are making their way to wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.) Our winter resident Northern Flickers have returned, and I am seeing Pine Warblers at my feeders again for the first time since early spring. I have also spotted some fall migrants both in my backyard and in the woods behind my home, including American Redstarts, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, an Eastern Wood-Peewee (photo below), and an Acadian Flycatcher.

I hope you enjoy these photos from the backyard.

Brown Thrasher

Carolina Chickadee

Northern Cardinal (female)

Eastern Bluebird (male)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (female)

White-breasted Nuthatch (male)

Eastern Phoebe

Red-shouldered Hawk (immature)

House Finch (male)

A Blue Jay stocking up on peanuts. Fun fact: Blue Jays have a pouch in their throat known as a “gular pouch,” which they use to store and carry multiple food items at one time.