Left: A Canyon Wren perches on a rock

During these warm August sunsets, take a stroll somewhere near the Santa Monica Mountains, and you will hear the haunting song of the Canyon Wren. Their song is a liquid cascade of whistles and tweets that hangs like fragrance in the still air of the evening. Though they are small, you may spot them flitting from rock to rock, where their rich rusty color and flicking tails make them stand out.

Right: A Bewick's Wren Samples a cylinder feeder

Wrens are the songsters of the bird world, surprising for birds that are so small, plain and secretive. The Bewick's Wren, right, is distinguished only by a white "eyebrow" streak and the constant flicking of its tail. You may not see wrens in your garden, but certainly you will hear them, especially in the morning or evening, when they are most active. Wrens are insect eaters. To bring them to your yard, put out mealworms, though they also love feeders that offer seeds and nuts.

August is not a time of big changes. The days are getting a little shorter, and the sun is a trifle lower in the sky. Birds are aware of the change and know that, for some, it's time to think about moving on to warmer locales. The male Hooded and Bullock's Orioles will be gone by the end of this month, while the females and juveniles will linger until the middle of September.

Yellow Warbler by Ethan Cleveland, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Spotter Photo Contest

There are more changes. Almost before you can miss the Orioles, some of our autumn migrant warblers start arriving. Orange-Crowned Warblers already are here at the start of the month. However, most of these August arrivals, such as the Yellow Warblers and Nashville Warblers, are migrants. It's great to see them, but soon they will move farther south for the winter. The warblers who stay for the winter, such as the Yellow-Rumpeds, don't get here until September or October.

Right: A Song Sparrow looks for seeds

Visually, the Song Sparrow is as unremarkable as other sparrows: small, brown with a few dark streaks. But, when it starts to sing, you hear a bold, colorful song that commands attention. Four sharp chirps—an almost-Beethoven-like beginning--are followed by a long trill and even more chirps. Hearing their cheerful song in the morning is a great way to start the day.

Fall migration underway for adult shorebirds along the coast. The Brown Pelicans and Cormorants are here mostly year-round, but the Grebes, Loons and some gulls will be coming in soon for the winter. 

Male Black-Headed Grosbeak on the grass by Alan Pasqua

The Grosbeaks are leaving, too, following the Orioles south for winter. Most are gone by the end of the month. These expert foragers constantly scour gardens for nuts, berries and fruits, but they also need the pure energy of seeds for their long journey. Our No Mess mix will give them the nourishment they need for the long flight south.

Get ready for the three-ring circus of the heavens, as this year's Perseid Meteor Shower will peak on August 11. Unlike recent years, the 2024 show will be up against a moon that will be only 10% of full. And, if you're busy on the 11th, don't worry. The Perseids' display starts as early as July 17 and runs to Aug. 24. So, find a dark spot--preferably somewhere well out of LA--settle back and enjoy!