Novice birders tend to prefer summer birding, when the weather is reliably warm. But, in my opinion, it is the least interesting and most challenging season for watching birds.
The summer heat suppresses both bird song and bird activity, keeping many species in their shady retreats. Furthermore, the trees are fully leaf-out, obscuring those who do find the energy to sing. Migrants are limited and vagrants are far less common in summer (with the possible exception of some waders that expand their range northward when conditions are mild). Finally, chatty humans and their loyal canines are more abundant on the trails, especially during the relatively cool morning and evening hours, keeping the avian residents at bay.
Fortunately, we are about to enter autumn (my favorite season for almost any activity) and birding will become more "productive." Shorebirds are beginning to increase in number and variety and flocks of blue-winged teal will soon grace the wetlands. Hopefully, cooler, drier air will move south with them.
