Watchful

In the non-breeding season (also known as winter), it is common to find mixed flocks of small birds feeding together.  This is actually an effective survival strategy since it is more likely that a predator will be spotted early if there are many birds.  In our yard, the mixed foraging flocks are comprised mostly of chickadees, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers (female seen here), tufted titmice, various finch species and various sparrow species.  And if a bird suddenly sounds an alarm call, you can see little birds either scattering in every direction, or freezing in position.  And at all times, they are cautious as you can see here.  She landed near a feeder and then sat still and looked all around before settling in to get some food.  

I headed out for a walk this morning, camera in hand.  I didn't take a single photo but I guess I got some extra benefit from carrying around a camera for the entire walk!  

Yesterday when I was out with my friends, we happened upon a farm field that was full of winter squash that had been partially tilled back into the soil.  It was astonishing the variety of squash, including multiple pumpkins, acorn, delicata, butternut, and spaghetti as well as loads of small decorative varieties.  We all loaded up our pockets with small squash to take home.  And today I went back and picked up another 4 little squash - they will make a great centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table next week.  I've read that pumpkins are often grown as a rotation crop to enrich the soil (especially for corn, which is a big crop here) but I find it curious that such a wide variety of squash would have been grown and then not harvested.  And it was clear to see that the different varieties had been planted together in a very intentional way.  Strange.  But also a nice find.  

After the walk, I ran some errands - groceries for us and a 40 pound bag of sunflower seeds for the birds.  Then Hubs and I went out for lunch.  Jax is enjoying his day of play at the Doggie Day Care.  And we are bracing for rain starting tonight (which we desperately need).  

Dark and spicy today.

xo
Debbi