Birds of Summer!

Although much of my time in the summer is spent looking for invertebrates, birds are found on a daily basis. Once green leaves open up on trees and bird parents are busy feeding their young, finding birds in the summer can become a challenge.

Earlier this month, a Caspian Tern was flying above the St. Clair River.

Cliff Swallows often swarm around bridges and overpasses in summer. Clusters of their intricate mud nests cling to vertical walls. When a Cliff Swallow is home, you can often see its bright forehead glowing from the entrance. If you look carefully at the dark nest entrance in the centre of the photo, the glowing forehead of a Cliff Swallow is peaking out of the chamber.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cliff_Swallow/overview

American Goldfinch nest later in the summer than most birds. The blooming cycle of thistles seems to be a factor because the fluffy seed heads are important nesting materials. The plant also produces seeds which are eaten by the adults, then regurgitated for the young to eat, back at the nest.

https://www.wild-bird-watching.com/American-Goldfinch.html

Canada Thistle seed fluff - perfect for Goldfinches!

A House Wren, belting out its song from the roof of a nesting box.

Although the Killdeer appears to be adult sized, the fuzzy/fluffy feathers indicate that it hatched this year.

Northern Cardinal

American Robin carrying something for the kids to eat, back at the nest!

Red-winged Blackbird females are carrying food to feed their hungry young.

A Sedge Wren surprisingly popped up for us to see during a walk at the Dow Wetlands. Sedge Wrens live in wet fields and shallow marshes and have a reputation for being shy birds. They spend much of their time out of sight as they hunt for insects and spiders near the ground.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sedge_Wren/overview

Great Crested Flycatchers tend to hunt high in the tree canopy. When they swoop to catch flying insects, they sometimes crash into the foliage. They are the only Eastern flycatchers that nest in cavities and will sometimes make use of nest boxes.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Crested_Flycatcher/overview

Great Blue Heron, waiting patiently for food to approach; either dragonflies in the air, or aquatic critters in the water.