Recent weeks have seen a cascade of molting activity through the species. Some of this is juveniles taking on adult plumage; some is adults refreshing themselves for the winter (an example are the Northern Cardinals); and some is seasonal coloration change. The most striking, and the one I was least wanting is now underway. I saw my first American Goldfinch turning from yellow to olive drab. The older males, as of today, look about the same as they did a month ago. But probably the youngest are moving on. I expect to see a full molt complete probably by 2nd week of October. And that's another sing that winter is on its way here.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Time For A Change
Recent weeks have seen a cascade of molting activity through the species. Some of this is juveniles taking on adult plumage; some is adults refreshing themselves for the winter (an example are the Northern Cardinals); and some is seasonal coloration change. The most striking, and the one I was least wanting is now underway. I saw my first American Goldfinch turning from yellow to olive drab. The older males, as of today, look about the same as they did a month ago. But probably the youngest are moving on. I expect to see a full molt complete probably by 2nd week of October. And that's another sing that winter is on its way here.
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