August backyard birdwatching in the South Bay means a transition period. Some of our summer visitors are about to head south, while year-round residents keep the feeders busy.

Summer Visitors

If you live on the valley floor, watch for White-breasted Nuthatches, bold little birds with black caps, white faces, and their signature upside-down tree-trunk stroll. If you live in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, you’re more likely to spot Pygmy Nuthatches, smaller and browner-capped, often arriving in chatty groups.

The dazzling Hooded Orioles have been gathering nectar from both flowers and hummingbird feeders since their arrival last March. By late August, most have raised their young and will soon be gone, migrating to warmer wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. If you’ve enjoyed their tropical yellow-orange glow, don’t be sad — they won’t be back in six months!

Finch and Chickadee Favorites

Year-round House Finches and Lesser Goldfinches are still enjoying black oil sunflower and Nyjer seed. Chestnut-backed Chickadees, with their friendly curiosity, are always a joy to watch.

Hummingbird High Season

\Anna’s Hummingbirds remain here all year, but late summer can bring Rufous Hummingbirds passing through on their way south. Keep nectar feeders clean and filled, you might spot these fiery-orange migrants zipping through.

 

Other late summer Backyard Visitors:

• Oak Titmice explore oaks and nearby feeders.
• California Scrub-Jays cache peanuts for the months ahead.
• Dark-eyed Juncos clean up seed off the ground.

Fall Migration is Underway

Watch for the signs of migration by noting what’s at your feeder now and notice the change in the coming weeks as fall migration really kicks in. It’s a great way to build your seasonal bird ID skills. Sometimes we get rare species migrating through. Always exciting. These birds are simply off course on their migration south. If you need help identifying what’s at your feeder, snap a photo and bring it to the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. We’re always happy to help connect you with your feathered neighbors.