On a Short Trip

A week ago, we made a short trip to Sauvie Island in Northern Oregon.  Since the airport is near, we often saw an airplane instead of a real bird.  They were a Delta Airlines, an Alaska Airlines, and a Southwest Airlines.  The Southwest was bright and clear against the sky.

The first day, we saw a dozen American White Pelicans, flying together with a couple of Sandhill Cranes far away.

"The summer is back today."

We spent a night at a nearby town and returned to the refuge in the morning for the better bird watching.  Soon, a couple of the Pelicans flew right over us.  First they were too close to have a clear photo.  So I adjusted the lens length for a better photo.

"We are in the Wildlife Refuge, so we are safe here."

Fall Days

Gray Squirrels live in the neighborhood.  Usually 3-5 come and visit my backyard.  Today a couple of them were pesting each other.

"We always have fun here😁."

 

A young American Crow came to have a drink at the bird bath.

"I just grew up in the nest up on the trees in this neighborhood👍👍."

A Downy Woodpecker stopped over after a long absence.   He just returned from the wood.

"I don't know this place well.  I was born this 

summer in the wood.  My mom told me this is a safe place😄😄!"

Rufous Hummingbird came for the last hot days and took off for the south.

"I will miss your flowers😢,  but will be back next spring😙."

A Fall Day

 Last week schools started around here.  I saw many school buses going and school kids waiting for the buses.  In my front yard, Roses of Sharon is in full bloom. 😊

The bees are busy collecting the nectar. 😋

At the wetland, I saw a Cooper's Hawk early in the morning (I rarely see one there, though.)

"I see some bushes changing the colors to orange.  

It's fall and tonight is the full moon🌕. "

End of Summer is Near

The summer is almost over.  Zinnias bloom for a long time; this butterfly enjoys the nectar.

Anna's Hummingbirds come here everyday.  The other day a couple of them bumped into each other and stared at and chased each other.   

Anna #1:  "I came here first😠."

Anna #2:  "No, this is my territory😒."

This summer is so strange that Rufous Hummingbirds have not shown up here much.

Because spring was so cold that some of my regular summer flowers were gone.

"I am back😁."

"I wish I could come more often.  But not enough flowers this year!!  

I have to return to the south very soon😢."