Brewer blackbirds gathering again..

These are all three of the photos I managed to get of a flock of Brewer blackbirds that seem to be gathering prior to heading south. One shows our monkshood flowers as well! I have noticed red-wing blackbirds beginning to form flocks as well. The males and females of that species travel in separate flocks. There is less dissension about which way to fly when the sexes fly each in their own flocks I imagine!

Brewer blackbirds gathering to go south?

These are just a few of the Brewer blackbirds that have been around the last couple of days. They seem to be gathering now in large flocks. I believe this happens before they start south for the winter. It seems a bit early since there are still ten days left in August.

Male and Female Hummingbirds

The top photo is of a female that seems to be bloated with eggs. I am a bit surprised as I thought that the young would already be hatched. There are plenty of young sparrows about and even some Brewer blackbird kids. The male is a bit fuzzy but may he is the dad!

Brewer's blackbirds not starlings..

Birds that I thought were starlings must actually be Brewer's blackbirds. Starlings have a yellow bill but the blackbirds that visit my feeder have a dark bill. Both starlings and Brewer blackbirds have irridescent feathers on their heads. People in this area mostly just call them blackbirds although they do also talk of red-winged blackbirds. I have never heard anyone speak of Brewer blackbirds! There is also a chipping sparrow in the background barely visible.