Molting time

Well goodness me, the Northern mockingbird parents are molting.

I looked up at the crab apple tree and saw this one.

At first glance it looked like a fuzzy fledgling.

And then, oops, just what is going on here?

Adults undergo a complete molt after the breeding season. They can then direct all of their energy into building new feathers.

Molt keeps the birds in top flying condition, because every feather is replaced.