August is the time that I start to see terns appearing on the beach at East Fork. I love terns! I have to go early to avoid the people. I found this gorgeous Forster's Tern there the other day.
Forster's Tern
And a quick drive by of the beach yesterday produced this nice looking Black Tern. It just flew in and landed in the corner of the beach with the local Ring-billed Gull flock.
Black Tern in non-breeding plumage
Ospreys are also moving through, two have been fishing the lake for the last couple of days.
Ospreys are also moving through, two have been fishing the lake for the last couple of days.
Osprey
Got lucky and found this beautiful Prothonotary Warbler this morning while looking for a Red-headed Woodpecker that I heard calling. I never found the Red-headed, but I got good looks at the Prothonotary.
Got lucky and found this beautiful Prothonotary Warbler this morning while looking for a Red-headed Woodpecker that I heard calling. I never found the Red-headed, but I got good looks at the Prothonotary.
Prothonotary Warbler
It's already time for the American Goldfinches to start nesting. They start nesting later than other birds as to coincide with the abundance of food from blooming thistles. Here, a female gathers nesting material from a cattail.
Female American Goldfinch
Young of the year Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been hanging around the yard eating peaches from my peach tree. Here is one that spooked when I opened the back door. Notice that it is just getting its red crown.
Also been seeing a lot of butterflies and dragonflies. Here, I leave you with this photo from today of a Twelve Spotted Skimmer.
It's already time for the American Goldfinches to start nesting. They start nesting later than other birds as to coincide with the abundance of food from blooming thistles. Here, a female gathers nesting material from a cattail.
Female American Goldfinch
Young of the year Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been hanging around the yard eating peaches from my peach tree. Here is one that spooked when I opened the back door. Notice that it is just getting its red crown.
Young Red-bellied Woodpecker
Also been seeing a lot of butterflies and dragonflies. Here, I leave you with this photo from today of a Twelve Spotted Skimmer.
12 Spotted Skimmer
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Great selection Donald. I love that Osprey, and the 12 Spotted Skimmer.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and beautiful images. Great work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteMy, what a lot of wonderful birds you show us! Love the Terns and that cute stripy woodpecker
ReplyDeleteI saw a bird that looked like the Prothonotary Warbler in Jamaica. Do they have those there? I know Jamaica has a non of non-native birds.
ReplyDeleteYes, Prothonotary Warblers migrate through Jamaica. Some probably over winter there as well (?). They winter on the north coast of South American and lower Central America and Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the weather has broken for you Don. It must have been refreshing to get out into nature. And were the birds ever waiting for you! Love the play on words in your title too. An altogether enjoyable post!
ReplyDeleteA great title to this post given your recent weather....
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images Donald.
I love Terns too and enjoy spending time with them
ReplyDeleteLove your caption! Wonderful group of photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the Forster's Tern Don! They are a blast to watch, diving after fish. And, of course, the Osprey in action! That juvie Red-bellied Woodpecker is very nice. I'm partial to woodpeckers and always enjoy seeing them. All in all, an excellent selection of avian fauna!
ReplyDelete