Birds at the birdbath

It's been hot, so we've had lots of birds coming to the birdbath. The hawk and the hummingbird are rare visitors to the birdbath.

Western Bluebird Bathing

The Bluebirds don't come to the bath as often as the other birds, but by the look of the enjoyment this one is getting, we may very well see more of them. Doesn't he look so pleased and proud in the last photo when he's all nicely cleaned up!? (Sort of like Mike when he uses our steam shower!)

Olive-sided Flycatcher

We're still seeing migrants. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is a new backyard bird for us. Nice catch! Just wish the birds were eating more of the Western Fence Lizards - they happen to be one of Chris's least favorite things about our yard.



Olive-sided Flycatcher

Birdy Morning

We had plans, but first the thrush appeared, then the vireo, the grosbeak and finally the western tanager.


Western Tanager


Thrush


Black-headed Grosbeak


Warbling Vireo

Sweet Pea: The Hummingbird Fledgling

Chris found a hummingbird fledgling on our driveway. The high winds might have blown it out of its nest. It was pretty good at flapping its wings, but the tail feathers might have been a little too short for flight on a windy day. She couldn't find the nest so she moved it to a branch of a nearby tree and named it "Sweet Pea." After a while, the mother came over, checked on it and fed it. It stayed overnight, and we saw the mother near it in the morning. It was gone by noon and we hope it flew off when the winds died down.