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Within the confines of this blog, you will find bits and pieces of the life and times of myself, my family and friend dear and near., far and wide, few and far between. You will find bits and pieces of my world, tho small to some, but huge to me. You will find everything from 'soup to nuts',; recipes, hobbies,crafts, gardenings,loves of my life, GrandLoves-a-Plenty, and even my pets... Sooo, if you can handle family life, enjoy the tour of my 'Stuffings'.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

In Preparation

It's here. It's in the air.
It's preparation time.
The birds are relishing in the last of the warm sunshine on their breasts.
The shadows are getting longer, the days, shorter.

( Please, click any picture for a closer look, and twice for a greater feast for the eyes. )
The Warblers, like this wee one on the welcome mat, are flying with the Bluebirds, I'm sure to warmer branches, warmer homes. Who can blame them, for they instinctively know that northcentral WI has bitter cold and snow-covered, long winters.
Sometimes, even in late Sept. and certainly in Oct., it is not uncommon to see waters covered in thin sheets of ice. Soon, as soon as the cold fronts come in to stay, ice will be impossible to penetrate for fresh drinks, leaving only springs to quench thirst, and snow, oh, that ' s ' word.
So while there are still a few warmer days and nights, the birds take one last splash in the birdbaths before flocking for their flights southward.
"Come on in, the water's fine."
Mallards preen themselves and bask in the last of the rays of sunshine.
Our year-round residents are filling their bellies with food and water almost constantly this time of the year in ' Readiness! '
Even the winter-hardy birds like Mr. Bluejay, fill their crops with corn wherever they can find it. It will keep them warm.
The squirrels have been so busy gathering and storing mushrooms, seeds, corn, acorns to sustain them throughout the coming blizzards.
They must be little 'scatter-brains,' as they easily loose track of where they've hidden their treasures.
"Now, where did I put that acorn? I thought it was right here~~~hmph!"
I'm always impressed as to how compatible the forest animals and birds are. This is one of the reasons I love to sit and gaze out my windows at the cabin. It's amazing what you will see. It is not at all uncommon to see the deer, rabbits, partridge, squirrels, chipmunks, several song birds, even the raccoon, congregate in the same area, just for a chance at a free buffet of corn, apples and sunflower seeds.
Do you know how difficult it is to catch a small bird on the wing with your lens? Thanks to trail cameras, it's much easier. The Bluejays stay, but~~~
Fly away Bluebird. It's getting cooler by the hour. The rain is coming down hard and steady and promises of more. I do hope the Bluebirds take flight soon, as they have been flocking together for a couple of weeks already. They are a sight to see during their preparation for migration. We noticed that they also have been checking out the Bluebird houses for their return in the spring. But, for now, one last rest on the Sugar Maple branch overlooking a favored nest box feels so good.
I hope you enjoyed the migration preparation in our back yard and at the cabin. We actually only caretake for the birds and animals, for the forest belongs to them. It's a privilege to be part of their world.

Thanks for stopping by on your busy day.
and
BlessYourHeart

17 comments:

Jill said...

This was delightful!

Darla said...

we can learn a lot from observing nature. Love this post!

Jean said...

I just love all your pictures I put some on my computer wall paper. I hope you want mind. What a beautiful place you have. Take care, Jean

jack69 said...

I agree with Jean it is a beautiful place and also having the lovely wild life around to enjoy. Send the Birds on down, we enjoy them.
I loved the pictures as a slide show also. Neat how you done that.
We enjoyed the cute narrative, funny how you guys comunicate with the animals, I keep thinking of Dr. Dolittle.

Love from Florida
Sherry & Jack
I got a sweet anon note on Sy's picture. Cute guy, huh?

TexWisGirl said...

all beautiful. love the black squirrel. my sis gets them in Wis. too!

imac said...

All shots are nice, but my fav is the pebbles in ice.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

All of the critters are getting busy for a long, cold winter--aren't they??? They are doing the same thing here, yet I'm not sure our winter will be terrible this year.

Hugs,
Betsy

Michelle said...

Love these pics, but it is too early for ice! Even thin sheets!

Suz said...

oh my that was dreamy
...it's coming...I know it in the shortening of the day
they say in the Almanac it will be a winter like last year
so we best be enjoying ourselves now

Paula said...

Beautiful entry! I too have noticed how well the wildlife gets along together. People could learn from them.

Sunny said...

Beautiful pictures, Dar! Yep, winter is on its way. I am in PA right now visiting my kids and grands but soon will be heading south :)

Suburban Girl said...

We don't have black squirrels here! Pretty cool looking things!

Judy said...

You have captured so many birds and beasts!! You were concerned about the geese and the hydro wires - but the geese know where the wires are, and give them a wide berth. They tend to fly over them, or under them, depending how close they are to landing, never through them.

Shelley said...

I loved seeing all your animal friends! And your words ring so true about us being only the caretaker - I wholeheartedly believe that!

George said...

Thanks for sharing these activities of the last few days of summer in your back yard.

quiltmom anna said...

Lovely photos of a lovely place- love the ones of the deer and the birds in flight.
Thanks for sharing your photos and your neck of the woods.
Regards
Anna

Chatty Crone said...

I am visiting from Clint's Blog - but I am seeing a lot of my friends here. Love you photo's and Mr. Bluejay. sandie