Waking into the crisp morning, the sights and smells of fall are everywhere.

A huge Monarch butterfly, 40 feet up, is hang gliding southward against the gentle breeze. The orange of its backlit wings is explosive against the clear blue sky. 

  Even higher, a dozen hawks in loose formation, heading the same direction. What brings these solitary warriors together?  Are they heading down to the coastal wetlands for some duck hunting?

The wildflowers of fall, busily working to beat nature’s last call, paint the fields with bands of color.  A lone mockingbird trills out a 10 minute solo as complex as the Goldberg Variations. I would applaud, but I don't wish to scare it away. 

  I saw a fox in that field last night. He looked hungry, but not famished. I think he may have been prowling for the fat raccoons which have been gorging themselves on the bounteous harvest of large crickets we get this time of year. His watchful presence might explain why the ‘coons favor traveling along the tops of fences on their nightly rounds, roly-poly tightrope walkers preparing for their winter fasting.

   And look at this bee, busy foraging for nectar as the time for the hive to go dormant draws near. I wish I had that energy, because this fall weather just makes me… yawn… feel like taking a nap.

 Brown Eyed Susans

  Flowering yucca

 Having successfully evaded the spider's trap at the top left, this leafy leg bug strolls down for some lunch

 A pretty bouquet

 Feathery grass in a breeze.

  Say goodbye, they're almost gone.

Photos & text © 2010 David Kinne