Nature Happenings

August

• Shorebird migration builds and waterfowl migration starts.
• Purple Martins begin heading south (adults by the start of the month, juveniles by the end of the month).
• Broad-winged Hawk migration begins.
• Chimney Swifts can be seen in large flocks over chimneys at dusk.
• Second brood of hummingbirds begin to appear at feeders early- to mid-month.
• American Goldfinches are fledging late this month.
• Migration begins for Ospreys and raptors.
• Early warblers (Cape May, Tennessee, Magnolia, Blackburnian) are migrating southward.
• The peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird fall migration is mid-August.
• Carolina Chickadees may begin forming pairs now for next Spring's breeding season.
• Perseids Meteor shower is mid-month.

September

• Hummingbird numbers peak around Labor Day, then start to dwindle; huge numbers along Texas coast.
• Blackbird (grackles, cowbirds and redwings) flocks can number in the thousands.
• Broadwings and other hawks pass through.
• Peak of Blue-winged Teal migration.
• First flickers and kinglets can appear by the end of this month - they love suet.
• Migration month! More birds are in the area now than any other month.
• American Goldfinch juveniles can be seen and heard harassing adults for food at feeders.
• Ruby-crowned Kinglets appear.
• First juncos and White-throated Sparrows can appear by the end of this month.
• Robins are in large flocks, feeding on crab apples.
• Peak migration for Bald Eagle and other raptors.
• House Wrens begin arriving in the southeast in late-September.