The Gathering

The gathering of seed and nuts has begun. Maybe it’s the shorter days, the longer shadows, or a cooler sun, but they know it’s coming, their survival depends on it. While temperatures make their downward creep the activity in our yard noticeably ticks upward. Birds that were scarcely seen over the summer now swarm feeders at sunrise. All day long they fly in to secure a seed, then take off again. Occasionally they feed themselves before resuming the gathering • Even the cardinal couple have returned to signal the end of each day; always the last to appear, they pick at the leftovers when it’s the quietest, and safest. Each day will be the same now until summer returns • Of course there are chipmunks and squirrels too • Up early this morning to watch Queen Elizabeth’s moving, memorable and historic funeral • Peace & Joy to All