It’s that time of year where several of my backyard birds have started to molt, losing some of their old worn out feathers and replacing them with fresh new ones.
Some do it gradually, and end up looking a bit scruffy, like this Blue Jay…
…while others (like this Cardinal) drop their feathers in chunks, and end up looking scary ugly!
Meanwhile, as my birds are losing feathers, Tucker is losing his puppy teeth. This makes him want to chew, chew, and then chew some more.
Today, I let him run around the backyard with a hard plastic aloe container, which brought him great delight.
In between serious bouts of teething, he would jump in the fountain and channel his inner Cujo!
Eventually, he opted to simply take the container into the fountain.
My birds are losing their feathers, my dog is losing his puppy teeth, and I’m pretty sure I am losing my mind! Ah well, life is good!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Puppyhood is fun, challenging and downright frustrating but oh so rewarding in the end. 🙂
It’s a good thing he can be so sweet!
I never thought I’d see an ugly cardinal, but there he is! Many thanks, Kathy, absolutely fascinating.
The first time I saw one molting I had no idea what it was, only that it creeped me out!
I can imagine!
That’s the creepiest cardinal I’ve ever seen! I had no idea. Thanks for enlightening me.
Creepy indeed!
Wonderful post. I look forward to more of Tucker’s doings😊
I am sure he will keep appearing in posts since he stays right by my side!
Terrific😊
LOL! Busy fun times in Kathy’s backyard!! ❤ 🙂
I am definitely going to bed tired…or should I say “tuckered out.”
😝
I feel like your birds as the end of term approaches!
Funny!
The birds are cute! Tucker is just one handsome dude!
I have to agree – he is a handsome beast!
It is never dull at Kathy’s backyard! Lol! 😊
Not these days!
Your pictures of birds molting are very good – educational 🙂 I start seeing the same here. Your puppy is adorable!
The molting cardinals do creep me out though!
Love this! And I have a cardinal who’s having the same issue! He’s about half bald.
Creepily fascinating, eh?
Lol. They sure look a lot better with their feathers.