MERLIN MEAL - We saw a Merlin hunting on the beaver pond and then watched it eat the dragonfly it caught in mid-air. We usually see Merlins at the beaver pond this time of year - as hawk migration is starting to come through our area - and even though a Merlin is a falcon, not a hawk, they regularly show up this time of year.

CRESTED -  A male Cardinal shows off his shaggy crest. The crest is strictly feathers - some extra long feathers grow from the top of the head and can be raised and lowered at will. Birds with crests use them to communicate, generally raising the feathers when they are excited or aggressive, and lowering them when they are relaxed or submissive. I think this male was being territorial about the water hole because it has been popular with all the birds lately.

STILL AOUND - We watch for the female Hummingbirds every day now. The males have already gone and we don't expect to see the females much longer. They are still enjoying the late-summer garden blooms.