Cold Outside

Last colorful leaves (Japanese maple)

Lesser Goldfinches stopped over after a long absence.

Lesser Goldfinch, male:  "Nice to be back here."

Lesser Goldfinch, female:  "I agree."

Looking Like Cotton Balls

Bushtits fly around in a flock of a dozen or so in winter.  They stop over to eat the suet in my backyard.

After that, they will inspect the leaves nearby for a bug.

"I may still find a bug or so before
freezing.  An important protein source."

Then all of them jump into the cold bird bath to clean off the dust and dirt.

"The frequent cleaning is necessary to fly fast and light."

Winter Scene

Trees are bare.  

Despite of the harsh climate, Anna Hummingbirds still visit here every day.  A tough bird for the cold temperature.

They have down feathers to stay warm.

"Can you see my down feathers?"

A Noisy Visitor

The autumn days are over.  Yesterday was cold all day with the chilly air.  According to the Chinese lunar calendar, today is 立冬, meaning the winter arrival.  No wonder it was getting cold.

Stellar's Jay came a few times this season, making a lot of noise; his squawking is different from the Scrub-Jay's.

"The fall is over; now winter is coming!"

"Look at my pretty feathers, together with my fancy head crest."

"Wow, someone is staring at me!"

Autumn Scene

Last weekend we enjoyed the warm autumn day.  The leaves are golden against the blue sky.

At a wetland,  many Canada Geese were around: some flying around and others still sleeping.

A large flock of Common Mergansers (ducks) were swimming across the reservoir diving for fish.

"Ready to catch one!"