2017 Birding Journal Observations - July / August

Carolina Wren in the woods

After average temperatures and rainfall amounts for the month of July, the weather for the summer of 2017 was turning out to be a lot more mild than the scorching heat of 2016. But then August brought a much more humid, almost tropical climate to the Lowcountry and I measured 11-inches of rain for the month. Birding enthusiasts are reminded during hot weather like this about how hard it is to keep bird seed stations from getting gummed up with wet seed. Peanut and suet feeders fare better, but they can attract ants in this soggy environment. The nectar in hummingbird feeders also attracts ants at this season, and I utilize an ant moat water baffle to counter their insurgency.

I can report the typical summer sightings for the past two months, with the hope of fall migration to come soon on the horizon with the changeover to fall. The constant buzz and high-pitched cackle from the ruby-throated hummingbird is always something to be behold as they visit the flowers like Turk's Cap and crepe myrtle and their summer blooms. Other sightings include blue grosbeak, blue-gray gnatcatcher, summer tanager, female American redstart, towhee, painted bunting, cardinal, bobwhite quail, mockingbird, red-bellied woodpecker, dove, Indigo bunting, brown thrasher, Carolina wren, flycatcher, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, downy woodpecker, wood stork, blue jay, brown-headed cowbird, cattle egret, Canade goose and red-tailed hawk.

To view the most recent birding journal observations click on March / April 2017

To view past Birding Journal Observations for July / August click on 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2009