This year's screech owl box season was a huge success. Three chicks fledged and this year I was able to keep track of them as they dispersed around the yard. It was a delight watching them grow up.





















Mom keeping an eye on the babies





Dad never far away





Fledglings growing up fast!





They typically stay close to the parents for 8-10 weeks or so after fledging. I have suspected that they've spent this time in the yard, but I have never been able to keep up with them. I am so grateful that I got the chance to see them leave the nest as little fluff balls, and gradually become lean and mean owlets.

The garden has switched over from being ruled by hummingbirds and goldfinches. Now the reptiles, amphibians, and insects reign.







A late migrant worm eating warbler



Early morning views







And one last painted bunting until fall!

Springtime is winding down as the heat ramps up. In addition to the usual visitors, we've enjoyed a large flock of goldfinches this season and several appearances by waxwings.

This has been a good year for catbirds. In the evening the garden rings with their silly calls.



Sunsets have also been good lately.



Misty morning



Sundews are popping up as the water goes down for the dry season. Or they were, until we had 6 inches of unseasonable rain this week.



Sulfur caterpillar



Catasetum orchid



A first for the garden, fluted bird's nest fungus!

Slightly cooler temperatures at night trigger many orchids to flower.







Birds moving through.









Barred owl at moonrise.

The mother screech owl and baby paid a visit to our patio. It was nice to see them both doing well.







The cardinals have also had a good year with several chicks fledged.



Many of the orchids love the summer heat and humidity.





We've had a few warbler and painted bunting sightings and are looking forward to the return of the hummingbirds and nicer weather for going out and taking pictures in :)

One owlet left the box this month! Two eggs were laid but only one hatched. Here are some highlights:















Other sightings from around town and in the garden:

Ground dove pair



Zebra swallowtail on pawpaw





Snail kites flying overhead, a new yard bird!





Giant swallowtail



Unknown fly



Orchids in bloom

Most of the winter migrants have gone for the season, to return in a few months time.









The barred owls are year round residents



So are the butterflies



The cardinals also stay year round, and have started nesting



As have the local sandhill cranes



Looking forward to seeing more babies soon!

It has been a good year for painted buntings and hummingbirds. Numbers seem to be picking up since the cold spell a couple of weeks ago.



Interesting coloring on this green bird, possibly switching to male plumage. The teal color is unusual.





As always, the birdbaths are popular.







Bark anole. Noticing these becoming more common.



Atalas



Other local wildlife of interest includes bobcat sightings last month.



Sunrise



Assassin bug



Sundew

Having a restful Thanksgiving weekend enjoying the garden and local nature.

It has been another good year for hummingbirds.













A regal toad



Sunrises.