Although I have seen a Cedar Waxwing here and there over the last couple months, I’m just now starting to see them in numbers as they organize feeding flocks comprised of adults and juveniles. A lot of other species are doing the same sort of thing, but none have been quite so obvious as the waxwings over the last week or so.

These photos are from two visits to the Chicago Portage, August 14 and August 18. While things have been generally quiet and slow, there always seems to be something to look at.

Before I left the house on the 14th, I noticed a Monarch Butterfly on my Joe Pye Weed.

When I got to the Chicago Portage, standing overlooking the bridge closest to Harlem, I noticed a small duckweed-adorned turtle.

American Robins have been less frequent, although I still see a few. They’re congregating elsewhere, but they’ll be back. Here’s a young one I spotted.

The Cedar Waxwings I saw that day were on the young side too. You can tell by the streaked breast.

One field mark often clinches it for me: that yellow tip of the tail.

On the insect-side of things, below, a female Twelve-spotted Skimmer Dragonfly, one of several Pearl Crescent Butterflies, and an orb-weaver spider web.

The Indigo Buntings were still singing, if somewhat less enthusiastically.

I caught a glimpse of a White-tailed Deer.

On the woodpecker side of things, a Northern Flicker, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Downy Woodpecker.

Barn Swallows were flying overhead

On the 18th, when I walked in, I was greeted by a feast of green.

Cedar Waxwings were present, but in distant groups.

Most of the birds were far away in the bare branches of the treetops, like these Northern Flickers.

Two Blue-winged Teal flew in over the water.

And then by the bridge near Harlem again, I found an American Goldfinch…

and one of the Blue-winged Teal.

Here’s another Monarch Butterfly. I hope to keep seeing them, even if they’re only one or two at a time and here and there.

I’ve been swimming elsewhere this week while my pool is receiving its annual cleaning. Meanwhile, the temperature and air quality are heavenly compared to previous weeks, so it’s pleasant enough to go for a walk even if there aren’t a lot of birds to see. It will be more comfortable working in my backyard jungle too.

It was very, very quiet – even quieter than it has been – at the Chicago Portage this morning. Hardly a peep out of anyone, and even fewer birds to see. Sort of reminds me of a too-long intermission when you’re just waiting for the next act.

Here’s a quick summary of this morning’s characters. A sort of post post-script, if you will.

I’ve been to and have plans to visit other places. I’ll be back soon.