"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven."
Emily Dickinson

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Late summer is peak molting time

Goldfinches molt late summer to early fall.  Photo by J.J. Meyer

Feathers are responsible for more than just a bird’s ability to fly; they provide weather protection, making a bird virtually waterproof as well as insulation for cold weather especially during winter.

But feathers wear out and need to be replaced in a process is called molting.  Most birds molt feathers in regular patterns on specific parts of their bodies, and it may take weeks or months for birds to complete the molting cycle.  They shed their flight feathers symmetrically without affecting their ability to fly.  Most backyard birds molt from July to September. 

You can help by offering high-quality, high-protein seed and suet.

Happy Birding!
J.J. 

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