This time of year is always bittersweet. I love the crisp air, clear skies and autumnal colors.
On the other hand, my favorite birds, both large and small take flight and head south. The sandhill cranes are molting, exchanging their rusty summer feathers for their winter silver gray plumage. This particular pair has been coming to our family property for several years now. They've gotten to know us well enough that they don't fly off as soon as we show up at the field. Unfortunately, they weren't successful at raising a colt this year. That always makes me sad - we really enjoy watching the family groups and love seeing them bring up the next generation. These two will soon fly away south and I will miss these tall beauties until they return in the spring.
I miss the tiny ones when they abandon us for warmer climes. There are only a few left and I will be leaving the feeders out and ready for them until at least a week after the last one departs, just in case there's a late commuter desperate for some extra energy.
They're such amazing little emerald gems - the miles they fly on those tiny wings boggle my imagination.
The bright side is that winter visitors will soon arrive to take up residence for the cold months. Nature would never leave us bereft of beauty!
2 comments:
I think our hummingbirds left 16 September. Bummer ! I'm keeping my eyes peeled, but you know what they say: when the hummingbirds leave, summer's over. :^(
Hugs to ya from BetsyLee
The departure of hummingbirds and other summer residents as well as the turning colors makes me a little wistful. Snow brings its own beauty, though. :)
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