Birds Return

This morning at breakfast I noticed the juncos or snowbirds have returned. They've found my birdfeeders and are busy eating all the sunflower scraps dropped on the ground. Later in the winter they will master flying to the feeders and eating there, too.

The red bellied woodpecker has also reappeared. Haven't seen it all summer.

Other birds stopping by are the chickadees and titmice (which think they own the feeders), nuthatches, goldfinches (now greenish) and mourning doves.

Surprise in the Backyard

Several weeks ago I mentioned to Dan that since we had taken down the one dead pine tree, he may want to consider taking down the other one. He said he would if he had to gas up his chain saw for any reason. Well, the wind took care of the tree for us.

I arrived home today and was looking at the pond to see how full all the rain had filled it. Glancing beyond the pond I realized that the landscape had changed. The tree had fallen.
With the ground saturated and the tree being dead, I imagine a strong gust took it down. The two birdhouses that had hung from the tree were easily within reach and saved. I'll have to find new spots to hang those next spring.

Bluebirds

Glanced out the window and there was a bluebird perched at the hole of the wren house. I hadn't seen one around here in a long time. Then another flew onto the branch above. Then a third one and a fourth one. They were all males. What did I owe this visit to? Now they're gone!

Blooms in the Garden

The first frost is not far away and this plant which I never can remember the name of has decided to finally give off its best blooms.









The lavender is blooming too. Doesn't it look nice against the red leaves of the blueberry bush?