Summer's almost over

Summer is almost over but the high temps are still with us. The monsoon has apparently been cancelled. But soon the nights will get gloriously cooler and then the leaves will turn. Ahh, the change of seasons.

BIRD NEWS: Not a whole lot but some things of interest. My husband noticed a Ferruginous Hawk flying around overhead. We have noticed more hawk activity lately, in the form of feather evidence, but we are not sure which hawk is responsible. We have seen this hawk before, so that is how he recognized it. They are very large (23-24") and the chest is white with brown speckles so it is easy to spot. If interested in more info, go to eNature.com and look it up.

Our Hummingbird babies are really packing on the poundage or, rather, the ounces. Their sillouettes are getting rounder everyday. This seems to indicate that they will be leaving early this year, as I predicted. We still have a couple Rufous among the Black-chinneds but the Calliopes are gone. I hope you enjoy these guys as much as we do. We really hate to see them leave but anxiously await their return in April.

Our Lesser Goldfinches have come back to the thistle feeder again. According to the field guides, they are year-round residents so maybe they will just hang out here for awhile.

CHICKEN NEWS: Well, Chicken Little shed her tail a couple weeks ago and now seems to be moulting all together. She looks so sorry. I've been trying to get her picture but she's the shy one ("The sky is falling, the sky is falling!"). Meanwhile, Mazey has been coming out from her hiding place more often. I hope she is going to give up on that hidden nest soon because she's looking a little skinny. I really wish we could find that nest. It is driving us crazy not knowing where she hides.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR: The chiles are still coming in and that heavenly roasting smell fills the air. The NM State Fair opens in a couple weeks and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta follows that around October 1st. It is a grand time of year.

Stay tuned.