It was really hot and muggy this morning. I hiked here between 8:45 and 9:30 and stopped as it was getting to be too uncomfortable. Many of the birds had already hunkered down in the shade by the time I was out there. I ended up with 17 avian species, and did not see or hear any Common Yellowthroats or Yellow Warblers that have been around every day since late spring. I got very close to a Canada Goose that was sitting in a grassy area near one of the ponds, and wonder if she(?) was sitting on a ground nest of eggs.
Canada Goose
Red-winged Blackbird
Carolina Wren
Tufted Titmouse
House Sparrow
The highlight of this short hike was some good looks at a male and a female Blue Grosbeak. They seemed to have established their territory along Slabtown Branch Creek, and not too far from my house. I've been seeing them in the same area since June 14, and will keep looking to see if there is a nest nearby.
Male Blue Grosbeak
Male Blue Grosbeak
Male Blue Grosbeak
Female Blue Grosbeak
Male Blue Grosbeak
Male Blue Grosbeak