Two-thirds of the year is nearly behind us.

Birds, birds, birds ~ TGFB!

Birds know how to have fun, and they can brighten the darkest days. Here are some of the past week's images and observations.

One of our Carolina Wrens was poking around under the dripper bath in the east bed and decided that it would be even more fun to just take a bath there. The water was gently dripping down, so why not? Eventually, it came up top and tried that, too. Was this a young bird? Couldn't tell, but there was no question that it made the most of the situation.

8-26-20 Carolina Wren, under dripper bath! 8-26-20 Carolina Wren

One of the Carolina Chickadees was seen checking out the larger dripper bath. We have timers on both of them, and they alternate being on. This bird was there at exactly the right moment before the dripper came on, studying the water and waiting! The smart little bird was soon rewarded! 

8-26-20 Carolina Chickadee waiting for dripper to start 8-26-20 Carolina Chickadee

Friends, you have questioned me about it being too early for "Fall", but the White-breasted Nuthatches are grabbing seeds to cache away in their secret hidey-holes already! They're thinking "Winter"!

8-27-20 White-breasted Nuthatch, looking to cache seed

Young birds, like these Northern Cardinals are finding their way around the bubbler and feeders, too. Cardinals have been a very productive species this year in our woodland, with several families having young.

8-27-20 Northern Cardinal immature 8-27-20 Northern Cardinal immature

Each cool front now has the potential to bring in migrating species. Saturday, 8-29-20 brought in seven warbler species. Both Magnolia and Chestnut-sided Warblers investigated the bubbler area in between foraging.

8-29-20 Magnolia Warbler 8-29-20 Magnolia Warbler 8-29-20 FOS Chestnut-sided Warblers 8-29-20 FOS Chestnut-sided Warblers

Distinctive female Canada Warblers were heavy feeders Saturday and Sunday, but one did check out the bubbler.

8-29-20 FOS Canada Warbler female 8-29-20 Canada Warbler female

Several Black-and-white Warblers joined in the mixed flock. A first fall female didn't hesitate to enjoy a bath.

8-29-20 Black-and-white Warbler
8-29-20 Black-and-white Warbler female 8-29-20 Black-and-white Warbler female

A First-of-Season Nashville Warbler was one of two seen on Saturday.

  8-29-20 FOS Nashville Warbler 8-29-20 FOS Nashville Warbler

Several American Redstarts were also in the small flock. A first fall male and an adult male were vying for the "Bubble".

8-30-20 American Redstart first fall male 8-30-20 American Redstart 8-30-20 American Redstarts

Do NOT be fooled by young Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They may look pretty cute, but they will get in anybody's face! I've seen them buzz so many different kinds of birds over the years, even owls. The offenders don't even have to be close to a feeder or a flower to draw their ire! I've even had one at my ear when I was too close to a Cardinal flower. If I'm in my usual spot, they ignore me, and sit at the feeders with their backs to me as if to say, "Ha. Just try to catch me! I double-dare ya!"

  8-30-20 Ruby-throated Hummingbird female/immature 8-30-30 Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing American Goldfinch

September should bring in many more southbound travelers!