Sunday I saw in my yard a Song Sparrow with almost no tail. By last evening, the two center rects had grown longer--such a funny plumage stage. Two nice chocolate brown adults were close by.
I also have three (maybe four?) juvie Oregon Juncos--they are still striped--haven't started changing their body plumage yet, so are still quite young.

I also have juvie Spotted Towhees of three different ages, judging from the differences of their body plumage--I just saw one (at least) that is still fully in its juvie striped suit. I believe that I have at least two breeding pairs, with one pair having a second brood. Some years I have had four pairs of juvies with two being earlier than the two later broods.

I have several (5-7) Red-breasted Nuthatches(RBNU)--that appear off and on. I think that they go back into the woods when it is too hot. I have one RBNU that is so light on its chest and belly that it is almost white. I don't think I have ever seen one quite so light.

And here I thought the babies were done. I know many of this year's chickaees, both Black-capped and Chestnut-backed have left, although I still have a healthy population.

Oh, and I had a Black-headed Grosbeak (BHGR), probable juvie passing through about 6pm--about two weeks after that local family of BHGRs left.


Christine Southwick
N Seattle/Shoreline
clsouthwick at q.com