Season of Changes

 Right now the change in season is particularly obvious with the change to cooler temperatures and to the brightly colored leaves of many of our trees and shrubs.  But another change has taken place as well, the plumage of birds from the breeding to non-breeding season.  Some are subtle, while others are more dramatic, giving rise to troubling identifications problems for birders.  Take the above as an example, it’s one I took on Friday during a lunch a stop at the Salmon River estuary with my daughter and three grandsons.  It’s a Spotted Sandpiper, but has no spots!  For a comparison, look at the lower photo I took along the Tillamook River in July, with lots of spots!  As you notice and marvel at the changes going on with the season, keep in mind birds make changes too.