[va-bird] Warblers, etc.

Hello VAbirders,

August has brought changes here.  The Pileated family grew "dysfunctional" 
through the last half of July with siblings fighting amongst each other and 
parents Mrs. P and Klutzy chasing off their children.  Sometimes it was 
difficult to watch as parent would peck and chase after an offspring.  We 
last saw one of the children, a daughter, on July 24.  We surely miss those 
youngsters.  Mrs. P and Klutzy seem to have entered a "recovery" 
period.  We only see them occasionally now and each time they look a little 
better plumage-wise.

We saw the first begging A. Goldfinch youngsters yesterday.  Goldfinch 
numbers at the feeders are on the upswing again.  "Our" Crow family seems 
intact and comes to their peanut feeder daily.  The Fox family has broken 
up, so the Crow family has lost one of their favorite opportunities to 
squawk.  We only see a young fox now and again.  They're looking a little 
skinny.  I guess it's a tough world out there for an independent youngun.

Hummer activity is still hot, with humfussing a constant through the 
garden.  The "faces" seem to change daily.  The 2 young Brown Thrashers 
that we first sighted on July 14 are still here!  We've never had Brn. 
Thrashers stay before and we are enjoying them.  They usually stay together 
and run about the garden like small Roadrunners, poking here and there in 
the leaf mulch and underbrush for tidbits to eat.

Warblers have started through, much to our delight!  Spotted so far this month:

8/14 - N. Parula
8/20 - Chestnut-sided Warb (first fall female)
8/21 - Blue-winged Warb (adult male)(BIG EXCITEMENT HERE! Lifebird &
        yardbird!)
8/22 - Amer. Redstart (female)

And, Swallowtail butterfly numbers seem good this year.  There are always a 
dozen or so fluttering by and nectaring in the garden.  Have only seen a 
few Monarchs, however.

Peering towards the sky in hope of rain......


Lori Markoff
Vienna
Fairfax County
canyon.eagle@xxxxxxxxxxx




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