by Bob Oswald
Somebody flipped the switch and Summer with its heat and humidity, afternoon deluge and balmy evenings is upon us. I find myself spending shorter times out in the field naturalizing and more time in the AC and swimming pool.
In the world of birds however, it’s business as usual. Spring courtship with its beautiful colors and courtship rituals has given way to raising and fledging the next generation. As the young make their way off the nest, birdwatchers start to see these odd looking, sometimes awkward youngsters hanging around the parents, learning how to fend for themselves and bumming some eats from Mom and Dad.
Usually when the first set of flight feathers come in they are rather grungy looking still mixed with some natal feathers here and there and frequently adding confusion to the viewer trying to identify them. Of course, with all the new identification tools like eBird, iNaturalist and so on the task has become much easier
One of my favorites is the Gray Kingbird. I actually think that just before they go to the adult plumage, they look as nice if not nicer than the adults with cinnamon to brownish margins on the wing and upper tail coverts.
Another pleasure of summer birdwatching is the behaviors of the recently off-the-nest gang. I can spend a great deal of time just watching fledgling Green Herons fight each other and chase the parents around trying to snag a tasty morsel.
Somehow, I always find my way back to the beach to watch incoming Sandwich Terns catching fish and miraculously finding their own offspring in a sea of like looking youngsters.
Summer is here and there are wonderful viewing opportunities for those willing to stay hydrated, covered with sunscreen and go forth bravely to the world of our avian friends.
