Just need to mention a couple more recent sightings. Returning to our Rancho are the Downey Woodpecker and the Red-shafted Flicker. Both have been quite vocal since their arrivals and are letting us know that they are here. We have peanuts set out but the only ones interested in them seem to be the squirrels (who can't get to them because of a pole baffle) and the pigeons, who are not designed for pecking them open. I have yet to see any woodpecker get the peanuts. Usually it is the Scrub Jays who eat them (none have shown up yet). We have also noticed that the Robins have returned to the valley and so have the Crows. Oh yes, I also saw a band of Bushtits going through the trees a few days ago. They are so fun to watch.

The changes are beginning. Our Hummer population has dwindled down to just a few and they are busy bulking up for the big trip south. We had a Broadtail visitor last week. They usually stay up in the heights and only visit us in the the valley. Anyway, he stayed just a few days then moved on. It is only a matter of time before the rest leave! :-(

For the past few days we have seen the Ringed Turtledoves gathering sticks; apparently they are building another nest! This is strange since it is the time to be moving on, unless they plan to stay around. Still it does seem late in the season to be having more babies. Curious.

NEW SIGHTINGS: We noted the arrival of a Ladder-back Woodpecker on 9-8. He seems to like the pods on the Honey Locust trees in our yard. He can be very vocal too. Saw the first migrants heading south on 9/10: a small flock of White Geese flying in V-formation. There were only 8 in this group.

Autumn officially begins on Wednesday, September 22nd. Happy Autumn!

Well, it seems that not all the Goldfinches have left after all, just the parents. We have two babies still coming to the thistle feeder: one male, one female. I still hear them singing sweetly in the trees. Glad to know they are still here. So are the Ringed Turtle Doves, both parents and their babies (2, we think). Wonder if they go back to the Los Angeles area or where? Sure is a curiosity.

The weather is changing. The nights are much cooler now and the highs are staying in the eighties. The baby Hummers are starting to bulk up. We haven't tried to count them yet but I would guess we have 20-25 birds. They will be leaving about the end of the month. We always miss them so much at that time. But we really look forward to seeing the winter birds come in.

All for now. ~ SDA