The screech owlets are enormous. We have noticed them peering out of the nest box during the day. Last year's chicks left the box a few days after they started doing this, so it won't be long now!





Mom spends very little time at the box. She came by to check on them the other day during a rainstorm. Other than that, we rarely see her now, other than rapid food deliveries. The male is still roosting in the yard keeping watch.







In other bird news, most of the painted buntings have gone north. We have a few green birds but they are dwindling each day. Still have catbirds and the occasional warbler visiting. We have also been seeing a ground dove, which is a nice sighting. They tend to be more common closer to the coast in the dune and scrub environment.

Ground Dove



Worm-eating warbler



Female redstart

They are growing fast!



Hello world!



Mom looks tired



Birdbath has been popular lately









Female bunting playing peek a boo



I see you!

This week all three Screech owl eggs hatched.









In other garden happenings, the hummingbirds have all gone north. Most of the goldfinches have gone as well. Painted buntings and ovenbird are still here.





The butterfly garden is functioning as designed. I am over run with caterpillars of all kinds!

Monarch



Cloudless sulphur



Queen



Other wildlife happenings include a recent visit to a bald eagle nest. A very distant view showed both parents and a fledgling!



Tree swallow



Lastly, Udo Dirkschneider at Kelsey Theater.









Opener- Australian band Elm Street