Signs of Autumn

While we watched geese flying south in tidy formation over his farm last Fall, the late Jim Hasson quipped to me, “Geese and smart people head south for the Winter.” Well, I like to think that most of us are smart enough, but other elements enter into the equation, such as affordability and other ties that bind. Perhaps some day, though…
 
Besides the falling leaves, the crisp morning temperatures and the aforementioned geese, there are other signs of Fall in the animal kingdom close by. Last Saturday morning, as I enjoyed a cup of coffee on the porch, I noticed that there was what seemed to be an entire flock of Wrens feasting in the crabapple tree in the front yard. They seem to know when the fruit is at its peak and have their own Thanksgiving holiday when Mother Nature sends her invitation. Not knowing which species fly south, I’m guessing that these little fellows are among them. While these warblers head south, I’m happy that the Cardinals and Chickadees remain behind, and I enjoy feeding them. I don’t know how they endure the cold temperatures, nor where they hide their nests in order to protect them from the snow, so I fill up the feeder as soon as it goes empty.
 
However, returning to our crabapple scene, not all was “peaceable kingdom” out there. With the arrival of two Blue Jays, the smaller flyers scattered in all directions. Pretty as they are to look at, Blue Jays appear to be the Mafia of the avian world, with a size and a call that seem meant to intimidate. While the Jays enjoyed their Autumnal repast, the Wrens watched from a safe distance, hoping at least for some leftovers. Living out in the Rockies, I got to know the Blue Jays’ first cousins, the Gray Jays, or “camp robbers” as they’re known. Hungry as a bear, clever as a fox, quicker than a rabbit, these birds will steal the buns off the picnic table while you’re grilling burgers on the campfire.
 
The Burrowing animals in the neighborhood seem to be more forward-looking as they gather nuts, seeds, and the like for their meals in the coming W-----r. I only noticed for the first time that there is a squirrel’s nest high in the tree behind the garage. It would seem to me to be more sensible for them to establish condominiums in one of the large oak trees along Prospect Street, but they have their own way of doing things. While walking up near the cemetery, it seems that the squirrels, known for their loathing of dogs, are actually flinging acorns like miniature missiles at Emma. Luckily, they have bad aim, but the falling nuts do make her jump for cover.
 
The flora and fauna, so evident in their changeover from one season to another, remind me that there is still work to do in the garden once the first frost has visited. It takes me a couple of afternoons to put the beds to bed, but it doesn’t sadden me; I simply look forward to the coming Spring when the perennials return bigger and stronger than they were, as well as to the return migration of the various wildfowl. So, clippers and rake at the ready, I think I’ll get out there… as soon as I finish my mulled cider and donut.