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