u/TonyHealyCreative

Male Mallard mid-molt, last Sept — green coming in, though at this time of year it's anyone's guess whether he's an adult regaining breeding color or a juvenile growing his first.

I almost walked past this. Nearly 40 feet up in the canopy, this American Crow looked like it was panting like a dog. It wasn't in distress—it was staying cool. Birds don't sweat, so they use rapid throat movements called gular fluttering to help shed heat.

A young American Robin in that in-between stage — already looking alert and capable, but still carrying the speckled markings of a juvenile. Didn’t have to go far for this one. Right in my backyard.

Taken from my kayak about 60' up and 100' out on a small island near our cottage in NH.