I Say, What Do You Think You're Doing?

Mr Fuzzytail seems to object to me taking photos while he is eating. He decided not to argue the point and continued swiping the bird's dinner.

Mrs. Fuzzytail

OK, whats on for dessert?

Mr. Fuzzytail

Well where there is a bird feeder, there will be squirrels. I also noticed Mrs. Fuzzytail is around more often - and looking like she might be nursing some young critters. I will try to get a photo of her later.

Zooming In

These little characters are making themselves right at home. But what can one do when they insist on sometimes perching right on the camera? Lots more to follow.

A Time of Change!

The days are much shorter. The baby raccoons are now as big as their parents. Many of the birds have long since departed for warmer places, as have the monarch butterflies. The squirrels are fat and sassier than ever. The chickadees have moved in - you will see a lot of them from now on - I hope. These tiny birds seem fearless and friendly. ATB! More to come.....

Many of these!

The spiders have reached their full size - but not much time left for them now. They are also in danger from the hunting wasps.

The Wasps Are Swarming

As well as the hornets, bees, and a number of other flying critters. The urge to gather in more food becomes frantic as the weather gets colder.

The ferns are finished...

But the black eye susan is hanging in there.

Finished for the Season (Echinacea magnus)

But promises to be many more blooms next year. It's all part of the cycle.

I have no idea...

It's a small tree loaded with berries. I have no idea what it is though I notice the birds seem to avoid it. Do you know what it might be?

Baloon Flower

This wild flower is still adding new blooms in spite of the cool weather.

Wild Rose Shrub

This strong shrub refuses to quit - wild and wonderful

Smoke Bush

New growth for next year.

New Life on Cedar

Fuzzytail!!

Well, if the birds like it -why not? It's a scream to watch him try and climb the slender iron rod that holds the bird feeder - when it's wet from the rain he gets near the top - and slides down as if the pole were greased. Naturally, true to the code of all squirrels - he (or she) never gives up.

Sign of the Time (of year).

The sedum does not seem to attract butterflies.

New Friends Have Arrived

A flock of black capped chickadees arrived at the retreat two days ago. With a little luck they may stay the winter. They seem to enjoy the food at the small feeder. Among the wild birds they seem to probably be the easiest to make friends with. More photos to follow!

Risky Attraction yellow jacket hornets!

The bamboo is in it's full glory. The blooms attract just about everything including almost the full range of stinging critters. Bees, wasp, hornets. It's not an area I want to push my way through right now, but the bamboo surrounds the north-east corner of the retreat. What a spot to photograph these insects.