Autumn has arrived and brought Birds along

It’s time for hot tea instead of iced, fleece robes and slippers instead of tee-shirts and bare feet, and breakfast or stew for dinner. On chilly days, we sometimes enjoy breakfast for dinner.

The endless summer has lost its punch and it packed a tough one, too. The clear, brisk Autumn air is here, letting us inhale deeply. While the drought is still a major concern, we are feeling lighter and enjoying blankets on the bed.

Take a little walk with me on campus to see some pleasant surprises. I was drawn to the outdoors and left the invoices sit unattended on my desk until Monday.

A gentle reminder that Summer is still here.

A small reminder of an inevitable Autumn.

Suddenly, out of the clear, blue sky, there are BIRDS!






There were at least six Eastern Bluebirds flying overhead. I haven’t seen Bluebirds in several months. How did I feel about it? Elated or exhultant would be good adjectives.




Hello, lone Phoebe! Been missing you…

The campus grounds have been quiet for months. Birds are waking up, it seems. After leafing through my field guides, I'm not sure if this is an Eastern Phoebe. Its back is grayish brown but I don't see yellow on the belly and the tail feathers are pale... Help?




Mockingbirds are everywhere, year round. This one, with its comical noise box, made me laugh out loud.

Now, take a little walk with me in my yard. I’ll fold the laundry tomorrow.

It was unnerving for me to see feeders without birds so often during our summer simmer. Twenty-five fewer degrees later - they’re back! As of yesterday, all of the regulars seem to have pep in their step, just like me.

Of all the birds who visit, the Cardinals and Titmice fear me the most.

Our tiny one-third acre has plenty of hiding places for birds, rabbits, chipmunks, snakes, and squirrels. We own the areas beyond the fence where refuges are growing. My feeders are also beyond the fence - protected from my Bostons. Chloe is the hunting and flushing queen but her senior eyesight holds her back. Bella has been showing some talent for chasing rabbits and stray cats.

Finch Feast


I brought out my snowflake robe and slippers today. I have lots of nice robes that are newer. I purchased it in 1995 (from Hecht's or Walmart - I don't remember) and can’t part with the snowflake robe. It’s starting to look shabby but it’s perfect in every way. Just perfect.