Returned for Autumn

Now that autumn is here, I see a couple of Golden-crowned Sparrows returned to my backyard.

Here is Mr. Golden-crowned Sparrow with the crown not so bright as in the spring.

"I am back."

Here is Mrs. Golden-crowned Sparrow.

"I remember this place.  There are enough seeds for us to nibble in the fall."

"And clean bird bath water!"

Bathe Before the Rainy Season

It is cold in the morning, but on a sunny day it can warm up by noon.  Here are friends who enjoy the bath time before the rainy season starts in October.  Can you count how many birds there are here?

Out in the shady area, two young Scrub Jays are washing, too.

"Splash, splash,.... I didn't know it was so fun to bathe."

Here is a wise bird who comes early to enjoy the clean water.

"It's a little cold, but it is not crowded."

Before the Fall Rain Arrives

Before the fall rain starts, we made another trip to the nearby wetland.  We saw a few Great Blue Herons.

"I am patrolling over the reservoir this morning."

Due to the dry summer and the redesigning project still going in the area, the water is diminished to 1/3 or less of the previous quantity in the area.   I hope Canada Geese can find a rest spot at the time of the fall migration.  Here are some ready to land.

A few Cedar Waxwings found the berries.  Enjoy the fall harvest.

"I like the fall berries.  Yum, yum."

Back for Winter

During the summer months, many birds temporarily move into the woods to stay cool.  Downy Woodpeckers are one of them.  Now that the weather is changing, one female Downy Woodpecker returned to check on the suet supply in my backyard.  Actually she stopped over a couple times earlier when I did not have any suet hanging.  After that I jumped into making suet for her next visit.

The other day she showed up at the branch.  Thanks for your patience.  I was too pokey this autumn.

"I am back!"

"Finally I found some before anyone else finishes it up."

A Whole Bunch

Autumn is here with the morning temperature down to 40 F, but the daytime is still warm in 70's or so.  My cucumbers are almost over and today I made dill cucumber pickles.

With the winter coming near, Bushtits have returned in a big flock.  Last week I made my own suet block for them.

"We like to line up.  We are four brothers."

"We are now six brothers and take turns to take a bath."

"I am looking for a bug on the apple tree.  After this, I will be pecking the suet."