As the height warmth of summer time begins to mood, and the times, ever so subtly, begin to shorten, a brand new chapter unfolds within the avian world throughout the US. Whereas spring and early summer time are dominated by the bustling vitality of courtship and early nesting, late summer time brings a special type of magic.
Many species that have been as soon as cloaked by dense foliage or absorbed within the quiet depth of elevating their first broods now grow to be extra obvious, some resulting from second nesting makes an attempt, others as fledglings develop bolder, and some just because their habits make them extra conspicuous this time of 12 months. In case you’ve felt a lull in your birdwatching, concern not! Late summer time presents a singular alternative to watch birds that may have eluded your gaze earlier within the season.
American Goldfinch
Why Late Summer season
Goldfinches are late nesters, typically ready till thistles and different seed-bearing vegetation are plentiful in mid-to-late summer time to start their breeding. This implies their brilliant yellow plumage (for males) isn’t as prominently displayed throughout early summer time courtship, and so they’re targeted on nesting inside dense vegetation. Nevertheless, as their nesting season peaks in late summer time, you’ll see extra grownup males of their vibrant yellow, and shortly, you’ll see fledglings, typically a duller yellow-green, being fed by mother and father. They flock collectively extra readily as they forage for seeds.
The place to Discover Them
Thistle patches are their absolute favourite locations in late summer time. Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, and so they rely closely on thistle seeds for meals and thistledown to line their nests. Search for fields which have gone to seed, particularly with native thistles. Additionally they forage on the seeds of vegetation from the aster household, comparable to coneflowers, zinnias, cosmos, black-eyed Susans, and cup vegetation. One other place to search for them is semi-open areas with a mixture of timber, shrubs, and open, weedy floor. Look alongside woodland edges, roadsides, and areas of second development. Orchards and cultivated land can even appeal to them.
And the very best place of all to see them up shut is, after all, your yard! American Goldfinches are frequent guests to feeders year-round. In late summer time, hold your feeders stocked with Nyjer (thistle) seeds, black oil sunflower seeds, and native vegetation. Plant flowers that produce seeds they get pleasure from, comparable to zinnias, coneflowers, cosmos, asters, and milkweed.
Recognizing Ideas
- Plumage: Their fabulous golden coloring.
- Their “swoopy” flight: They’ve a particular undulating flight sample.
- Pay attention for his or her calls: Their “per-chick-o-ree” or “potato-chips” name is kind of distinctive and sometimes given in flight.
- Observe their feeding conduct: They’re fairly acrobatic, typically clinging to the stalks of vegetation to extract seeds.
Woodpeckers
Why Late Summer season
Whereas grownup woodpeckers are year-round residents, energetic of their setting, their younger are sometimes tucked away in nest cavities throughout late spring and early summer time. However by late summer time, juvenile woodpeckers have fledged and are actively studying to forage. They is likely to be a bit clumsier, extra vocal, and fewer cautious than adults, making them simpler to watch. Their plumage can even look a bit completely different from adults, resulting in enjoyable identification challenges.
The place to Discover Them
Mature Forests
That is prime woodpecker territory. Search for massive, outdated timber, particularly these with lifeless or dying branches, snags (standing lifeless timber), and fallen logs. These present each meals sources (bugs) and nesting/roosting cavities.
Combined Deciduous and Coniferous Forests
Many woodpecker species thrive in a mixture of tree sorts. The Pileated Woodpecker likes distinctive, massive, rectangular holes in lifeless timber.
Wooded Swamps and Riparian Areas
Areas close to water with ample timber might be significantly good, attracting a wide range of species.
Forest Edges and Open Woodlands
Some species, like Northern Sparkles, typically forage on the bottom in additional open areas close to woods. The Pink-bellied Woodpecker can be widespread in deciduous woodlands and semi-open habitats.
Suburban and City Parks/Woodlots
Even in developed areas, if there are mature timber, you may typically discover frequent species like Downy and Furry Woodpeckers, and Pink-bellied Woodpeckers.
Recognizing Ideas
- Pay attention for drumming and calls: Woodpeckers are sometimes heard earlier than they’re seen. Their drumming is a territorial show or communication, and their calls can fluctuate from sharp “pik” notes to whinnying sounds.
- Search for indicators of foraging: Rectangular holes, bark flaking, or sap wells (small, typically symmetrical holes in rows) on tree trunks are good indicators of woodpecker exercise.
- Give attention to lifeless or dying timber: These timber are sometimes teeming with bugs, a major meals supply for many woodpeckers.
- Go to Nationwide Parks and Wildlife Refuges: These protected areas typically have glorious birding trails and wholesome populations of varied fowl species, together with woodpeckers.
- Go throughout cooler components of the day: Early mornings and late afternoons are usually finest for fowl exercise in late summer time.
Inexperienced Heron
Why Late Summer season
Inexperienced Herons are masters of camouflage, typically mixing seamlessly into dense marsh vegetation. They’re additionally comparatively shy and solitary, particularly throughout early breeding. Whereas all the time a bit reclusive, late summer time typically sees fledgling younger studying to fish in additional open areas, and adults is likely to be extra targeted on catching meals for rising broods, main them to be barely much less cautious. Their distinctive “neck-stretching” posture to mix in is a sight to behold.
The place to Discover Them
Inexperienced Herons love small, shallow our bodies of water. This consists of ponds, streams, creeks, ditches, marsh edges, and even suburban park lakes. Additionally they favor areas with timber, shrubs, and tall marsh grasses alongside the shoreline, which offer cowl for searching and nesting. These enticing herons are adaptable and might be present in a wide range of aquatic environments, together with estuaries and mangrove swamps in coastal areas.
Recognizing Ideas
- Go at daybreak or nightfall: Like many herons, they’re typically most energetic throughout these instances.
- Look in shaded areas: They typically cover within the shadows alongside the water’s edge.
- Be affected person and observe quietly: Their secretive nature means you may want to attend for them to disclose themselves.
- Pay attention for his or her name: A pointy “kyow” or “skeow” is an effective indication they’re close by, even if you happen to can’t see them.
- Scan for motion: Search for refined actions within the vegetation or a sudden lunge into the water.
- Examine low branches overhanging water: They typically perch right here to hunt.
American Bittern
Why Late Summer season
This marsh fowl is maybe essentially the most secretive of all, recognized for its unbelievable camouflage and “stake-out” posture the place it factors its invoice skyward to imitate reeds. It’s booming “oong-ka-choonk” name in spring is commonly heard, however the fowl itself isn’t seen. Whereas nonetheless extraordinarily difficult to seek out, late summer time can provide barely higher possibilities as juveniles are out and about, and the necessity for meals for rising younger may make adults barely extra energetic of their foraging. Their migration additionally begins to choose up in late summer time, doubtlessly growing their visibility in appropriate habitats.
The place to Discover Them
The first habitat of the American Bittern is dense freshwater marshes. Search for massive, shallow wetlands with intensive stands of cattails, bulrushes, and tall grasses. Managed wetlands and wildlife refuges typically present preferrred habitat and will have remark platforms or boardwalks that enable for higher viewing alternatives with out disturbing the birds.
Recognizing Ideas
- Persistence and Stealth: Bitterns are masters of camouflage. They may typically freeze with their invoice pointed skyward to mix in with reeds. Scan slowly and thoroughly alongside the sides of open water and dense vegetation.
- Daybreak and Nightfall: Whereas they are often energetic in the course of the day, they’re typically most energetic and vocal at daybreak and nightfall.
- Use good optics: Binoculars and a recognizing scope are important for scanning dense vegetation.
- Go to native wildlife refuges and wetland parks: These areas are designed to guard wetland habitats and sometimes have services (boardwalks, remark decks) that enhance your possibilities.
- Be affected person: This isn’t a fowl you sometimes simply come across. Dedicate time to quietly observe an acceptable habitat.
Shorebirds (early southbound migrants)
Why Late Summer season
Many shorebird species breed within the Arctic or far northern areas of the U.S. and Canada, in order that they aren’t current in a lot of the continental U.S. throughout early summer time. For a lot of shorebirds, late July and August mark the start of their southbound migration. This implies you’ll begin seeing a wide range of species that have been absent or very uncommon earlier in the summertime. Many of those might be juveniles on their first migration.
The place to Discover Them
Uncovered mudflats at low tide are extremely necessary. They teem with invertebrates (worms, bugs, mollusks) that shorebirds feed on to quickly replenish vitality reserves for his or her lengthy migrations. Salt marshes will then present essential roosting habitat for shorebirds throughout excessive tide when mudflats are submerged. Additionally they provide foraging alternatives.
Sandy seashores, significantly these with wrack traces (accumulations of seaweed and particles), might be good for sure species like Sanderlings and Ruddy Turnstones, which forage alongside the surf.
Inland wetlands and water our bodies like sewage lagoons may also be explored. When water ranges are low, these typically present plentiful invertebrate prey and glorious viewing alternatives. Conversely, flooded fields (particularly rice fields or agricultural fields), significantly in areas just like the Central Valley of California may also be productive and might appeal to all kinds of shorebirds.
Recognizing Ideas
- Tides are Key (Coastal Areas): For coastal mudflats and estuaries, examine tide tables. The incoming mid-tide is commonly preferrred because the rising water pushes feeding birds nearer to the shore, concentrating them for higher views.
- Excessive Tide: Birds will typically depart the mudflats to roost in close by salt marshes, sandy seashores, and even dry fields. This could be a good time to seek out massive, resting flocks.
- Early Morning/Late Afternoon: As with most birding, these instances typically provide the very best gentle and exercise, and fewer human disturbance.
- Recognizing Scope: Extremely really helpful for shorebird identification. Many refined area marks (invoice form, leg shade, plumage particulars) are solely seen with a scope. You’ll be glad you will have one.
Closing Ideas
From heron to goldfinch, there are numerous birds which are extra seen in late summer time. It requires a special type of birding in lots of circumstances. Chances are you’ll have to do extra analysis into appropriate habitats, journey to particular places, and take into account the time of day extra rigorously. You might also see fewer birds altogether and spend quite a lot of time observing quietly. The upside is the unbelievable feeling you get if you see an American Bittern standing inventory nonetheless within the reeds with its neck stretched skyward, or a household of woodpeckers working a collection of timber, or perhaps a uncommon shorebird mingling in a flock of sandpipers. The hassle is undoubtedly value it!
