Crozet, VA 7/23/2020

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

Old Trail

I had a little bit of time for a short hike this morning. Cloud cover kept the temperature down a bit, and I decided to check on the Blue Grosbeak family along Slabtown Branch Creek, and not too far from my house. I first saw the male at that location on June 14th and multiple times thereafter, and papa, mama, and junior a month later.

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Blue Grosbeak family foraging on July 14th

As I hiked down the path to the trail along the creek, there were numerous American Goldfinches and butterflies at the flowers.

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American Goldfinch

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Tiger Swallowtail

I could hear papa singing from high above, and mama was calling instructions to junior from vegetation along the creek.

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Male and female Blue Grosbeaks

I could hear junior calling as he foraged on the grassy hill side, and then located him with a praying mantis.

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

Junior then moved to other stalks, but heard mama calling, and he flew to her in the vegetation along the creek.

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

I could hear mama and junior chirping to each other, but couldn't see them. But I understood what she was telling junior, "There's some guy taking photos of you. Hide in this tree, and I'm going to find papa!" She flew from the tree and down along the creek. Well, I couldn't see junior, but slowly walked to a spot where I did see him. I'm sure that junior saw me as well, but mama had told him to stay put in that tree!"

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

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Juvenile Blue Grosbeak

Well, that was neat to watch!


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