Mother Nature has graced us with another colorful, pungent and painterly season. It begins with a shift from steamy nights and late sunsets to early dusk and a chill wind. I can just sit on my porch admiring trees and wildlife, relishing that cool wind on my face.
Leaves on the far branches of my Norway maple turn red at the tips. A ginkgo biloba spreads a carpet of molten gold beneath. A denuded tree on a high hill sheds all its stunning red leaves on the ground.
Birds are beginning to migrate south—groups of killdeer arrive and forage to gain weight for the long flight to warmer climes ahead. Their patterned white, black and brown colors, brisk walks over grass, and head bobbing are irresistible.
Mourning doves arrive in groups, feed, and are gone the next day. This is a stopover for a variety of species. One day, at least a hundred geese gather peacefully in a large area, feeding, cooperating, walking slowly—and even daintily—across a cemetery road and back. A hush in the air sends me into a meditative state.
I see a large group of rosy-tinged house finches for the first time, flitting from branch to branch, and then to the ground. They even appear on my golden delicious apple tree, utilizing sharp, thick beaks to poke a hole to feed, which others can utilize.
A group of about 10 mockingbirds frolics in a short shrub, gorging on red berries, flying up in pairs, seeming to play, white streaks on their wings and tails shimmering. These birds stay with us to overwinter, eating the berries for sustenance.
In a tiny inlet in the Charles River, waterfowl have created a small haven to rest, bathe, preen and sleep under a canopy of bamboo leaves. The scene is peaceful, except for some birds bathing vigorously, wing tips hitting the water with a percussive sound.
When young, I was given a gift of a Kodak box camera when my family took a trip to view fall foliage, and I captured scenes and vistas in brilliant color.
A small rabbit takes refuge under my outdoor table and stretches to rest, unafraid of human proximity. This is a breezy spot under the maple, which turns gold, orange, yellow and red, as the season progresses.
I am pleased to experience this season every year—another of nature’s bounties.
This column is like a painting of beautiful autumn colors. It offers a lovely respite in the middle of my workday
I love to read Elsa’s articles, they may be short, but have an abundance of information for one like myself that is not familiar with all the names of trees and birds, thank you for the picturesque education, brilliant, play on words, yes!
Oh, and the leaves 🍁 from Frank Peace stunning!
Another great article written by Elsa in great detail making it easy to “see” what she is writing about.