What’s Up? – So-So Summer | H.J. Ruiz

What’s Up? – So-So Summer

So-So Summer

We are going through a summer drought. The temperature continues on the high side andt we hardly get any rain. Once in a while we get storms but they move away quickly and do not discharge any water. The plants and grasses are in need of some water right now! I just hope we get some rain soon.

My birds are avoiding the harsh sun the best they can. I provide them with water and seeds which they consume in shorter time and then fly back to the trees or bushes to take shelter.

Last week I was refilling the feeders when I heard a peculiar bird call that I recognized immediately. It was a young Cooper’s Hawk with a smaller bird chasing him and trying to peck him, the hawk was flying desperately fast to avoid the little attacker. They passed over me at about 50 feet high. Then I noticed a second young hawk lagging behind at 40 feet following the first two birds. They kept their flight until the reached a tall tree ,where they have a nest. I didn’t see the outcome though.

Of course I didn’t have my camera with me!

Photo Gallery

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Common Grackle

Tags: birding, birds, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Common Grackle, Interesting information, photography, photos of birds, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, What's Up?

14 thoughts on “What’s Up? – So-So Summer”

susanpoozan on August 26, 2019 at 7:58 am said:

Enjoyed the gallery, hope you,get some proper rain soon.

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 26, 2019 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  What a coincidence…We had about one hour of rain this afternoon. Thank you, Susan. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
tanjabrittonwriter on August 26, 2019 at 5:35 pm said:

Let’s hope the heat will abate, and bird activity will increase!

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 26, 2019 at 5:55 pm said:
  
  We’re all hoping the same thing. Thanks, Tanja. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Clare Pooley on August 26, 2019 at 5:55 pm said:

It is always the way! The most interesting things happen when we don’t have our cameras with us!
I hope you have some rain soon, HJ. Lovely gallery of shots 🙂

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 26, 2019 at 6:04 pm said:
  
  Thanks a lot, Clare. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
  - Clare Pooley on August 26, 2019 at 7:50 pm said:
    
    🙂
tootlepedal on August 26, 2019 at 6:33 pm said:

I am always surprised at how valiantly smaller birds will mob a hawk.

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 26, 2019 at 9:13 pm said:
  
  Yes, I’ve seen that happen many times. It’s amazing! 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Birder's Journey on August 26, 2019 at 9:42 pm said:

I know what you mean, HJ. We’re also having a slow bird-photo season here….except on those days when I decide not to bring my camera! The other day I left it in the car at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and my husband spotted a gorgeous, very large Barred Owl!! 🙄

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 26, 2019 at 10:04 pm said:
  
  Oy vey… That hurts! I see it this way, nobody can predict what it’s going to happen the next minute, I simply engrave the scene in my mind and enjoy myself any time I want! Thank you for sharing, Carol. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓
  - Birder's Journey on August 27, 2019 at 8:07 am said:
    
    What a terrific perspective! I really like your strategy for capturing “missed” moments!
bayphotosbydonna on August 28, 2019 at 8:28 pm said:

Lovely captures, HJ, the Common Grackle perched is stunning!

Reply ↓
- H.J. for avian101 on August 28, 2019 at 9:59 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Donna. 🙂
  
  Reply ↓