Saturday, August 1, 2009

Changing Feathers

Seasons are a-changing... birds are a-molting... Here is a Blue Jay that, I believe, is about to go bald and doesn't look too happy.

blue jay molting close-up

blue jay molting

The colors of his back are still gorgeous despite the wear in the white feathers with their broken tips.



This male Northern Cardinal is not far behind. He too is losing his crown feathers.

Northern Cardinal close-up

He is still feeding this youngster, or lurking in the back, as he does in this photo.



Lastly yesterday we had a flock of Tufted Titmouse fledglings in and out of our crabapple tree begging for food.

Tufted Titmouse fledgling

Tufted Titmouse fledgling

These fledglings are still cuddly in their juvenal plumage which will soon be changing. Flight feathers are already fully formed.

1 comment:

  1. Oh no! Poor Red...and Blue...they are both cute in their molts, even though they don't look too happy.

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