Urban Birder: Reflections, notes and an occasional rant from St. Louis

The yard
Two weeks ago I wouldn’t have thought I’d be watering my hardy native perennials. Most of the plants seemed to be tolerating the extreme heat well, but when the Monarda fistulosa blooms began turning brown only a few days after blooming, I gave in and turned on the sprinkler.
On June 24, there were [...]

I’m trying to remember when I birded last. A month ago, I think. My two-week migration vacation this year was spent mostly in the back garden, which is developing nicely.
Birds
There’ve been youngsters in the yard for several weeks—Common Grackles, American Robins, one Northern Cardinal, European Starlings, House Sparrows, House Finches, Mourning Doves…
I witnessed [...]