Third American Robin brood fledged from the end of our porch on Saturday (7/28/12). I missed the flight of the first and third of this brood but saw the second nestling make the plunge. Split-second decision leap of faith (at least I "anthropomorphized" it as such....)

Also on Saturday (7/28/12), less than two miles down the road in Montgomery, I made my third trip wading across the Trout River (easy enough) and counted Bank Swallows. Seems late to me, but there they were - 12 young poised at the entrances of burrows in the river bank with adults swooping in to feed them.

Today, across the road near the top of our neighbors’ driveway, recently-fledged Merlins (at least three) continue to beg vociferously.

And at 6:32 p.m. (and again at 7:41) a Ruffed Grouse drummed on the ridge line of our roof! I expect it is the same bird that did the same many times last fall and then again this spring.

Late July - fascinating time of year for birding!!!

Charlotte Bill
Enosbugh, VT

(PS am way behind on eBird reporting but have recorded all in my notebook and will get the records in)