Mid-Fall Mixer

Things have been so quiet around here and the office that I have actually gotten some work done! Imagine that. Our Scrub Jays continue to hang out at the office conference room windows, and always draw a crowd of on-lookers; some even joining in the fun. The cool weather has brought in the ducks, and we're starting to see some of our winter regulars. Enjoy this week's offering.

Our faithful year-rounders, the Black-crested Titmouse, joining the Scrub Jays at the office windows.

 You can gauge the temperature by their fluffed feathers.

Nice pose!

 Glorious sunrise on the pond. The advancing fall has taken more leaves and cleared out the surface scum.

 Interesting scene beyond the pond with our wild turkeys and a couple of doe.

Then add the neighbors cat in the mix, with the turkeys running the cat up the tree.

 A blessing to step out on the porch one cool morning and be greeted by 18 Gadwalls, an even mix of male, female, and young ones.

They are skittish, and will erupt off the pond at the slightest disturbance.

 Just before the cold snap wiped out most of the flowering plants, caught this Sulfur butterfly on the zinnia.

And on the salvia greggia.

 At the office, this American Painted Lady was on the viburnum.

And a Clouded Sulfur on the lantana. If you could see the wings open, it has black edges on the top wing lobes.

 Still enjoying the Scrub Jays, an unusual continuing presence at the office windows.

This day he just had to grab some berries off the possum haw holly.

 I think that IS the stink-eye, but probably given to that image in the glass!

Nice profile.

 The Bewick's Wren attracted by the Scrub Jay action.

 And the Carolina Wren that likes to check out the offering on the deck.

Another one of our treasured 'year-rounders', the male Cardinal.

 The nervous and difficult to capture in picture, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Another bird seemingly attracted by the Scrub Jay action.

 Again, an unusual presence offering me a number of photo opportunities.

 The female nearby, enjoying a seed pod at the top of this cedar elm.

 The male Ruby-crowned Kinglet didn't show his crown, but did put on a show for the glass.

We close this week with my reward for putting out a suet cake at the house. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker came for a snack, and a quick pose.