Happy Autumn!

WEATHER: It is truly a time of change. Look at all the wild weather, like the number of hurricanes this year. Not just the Atlantic ones that threaten our shores but there also have been a number of Pacific ones (typhoons) off the west coast of Mexico. Then there are the earthquakes and possible volcanic eruptions all around the planet. Mother Nature is not having a good year. Now they say that Mars is experiencing global warming too!

BIRD WATCHING: I’ve noticed a few new birds lately. In addition to the Ladder-backed Woodpecker, we also have Northern Flickers. I have only seen them from the back so I don’t know if they are red or yellow underneath. A few evenings ago, we had an Owl in the patio tree, just after sunset. It was a small one, which we think is a Northern Saw-whet Owl (8”), or may be a Western Screech Owl (9”). Anyway, it sat up there just hooting away for about 5 minutes. We have been hearing the owl in the later hours of night or early morning but we rarely get to see it. They usually spend the summer here. We have also had a Great Horned Owl hang out around our field.

My husband has been spending his evenings sitting outside to watch the Hummingbirds at their final feeding frenzy for the day. He has only counted about 6 or 7 birds. They are all getting a rounder shape now and they will probably leave in the next couple weeks, if not sooner. Maybe they will make it to October after all.


OF NOTE: One week from today, September 30th, begins the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! A full ten days of hundreds of beautiful hot-air balloons to see. It is one gigantic photo op!

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Happy Autum!

The Autumnal Equinox is Tuesday, September 20.

Well, the Hummer numbers are dwindling. The juveniles that are left are getting fatter every day. We only count about 7 birds now. Don't know if they will still be here by October 1st. The last couple nights the temps have been much cooler. Last night was in the 40s! Put an extra blanket on the bed.

A couple days ago I was outside and noticed a bigger bird fly into the tree in the patio. Upon closer inspection (I ran and got my binoculars) I determined that it is a Ladder-backed Woodpecker. He was checking out the loose bark for insects. The tree is a Honey Locust (we believe) that gets these long bean pods. The woodpeckers also peck on them looking for insects. The ones on the ground are eaten by the squirrels.

I'll keep my eyes and ears open for more visitors.