Today was the first day that I've felt the pull of the season past autumn and towards winter. It was one of those blustery late October days. The sky was dark with clouds that raced from one horizon to the other. I almost expected to see snow flurries mixed in with the sprinkles of rain, though it was probably still a degree or two too warm for that.
Activitiy at my feeders is picking up. The squirrels have invaded. The red-bellied woodpecker is now a frequent visitor. The white-breasted nuthatch, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, blue, jays, black-capped chickadees, northern cardinal and at least one Carolina chickadee are the most regular visitors. The cardinals are the first and last visitors of the day, coming so early in the morning and so late in the evening that I can only see their silhouettes.
My photo today is taken looking down an abandoned ski slope that faces west at Roundtop. I've been told that ski resort couldn't keep snow on it because it got so much winter sun. Tonight the wind is a few decibels shy of a howl, and already I can see that the leaves are starting to drop. I don't quite have my winter view out the back deck yet, but I can see the outline of the mountains through the leaves now. It won't be long. Winter is coming.
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4 comments:
Oh that wind was a pain today. At my job at the library. The local fire dept visited the storytime group. With the wind, they could raise the ladder up on the ladder truck. Plus it made it quite chilly when the kids went outside to see the truck.
About 75% of my trees up here, are now bare. Have a chance of flurries for tomorrow. Well could get just plan boring sprinkles too. I'm in the mood for a few snowflakes.
It's cold enough now for flurries here, but it's dry, so I probably won't get any. A friend reported snow in Johnstown this weekend. I would guess that no more than 25% of the trees are bare here.
Carolyn H.
Carolyn,
I loved reading your blog. I am a friend of your sister and she told me about it. I used to live close to your area but now live close to Altoona.
I too love nature, birds, squirrels, chipmunks etc. Your writing is so refreshing.
I just wanted to tell you that last Friday I saw a Robin. I actually did a double take but it was really there. The temperature was in the 40's that day but we actually had snow flurries yesterday (Mon) and the high was only in the 30's. You're right this is an odd year.
Christy,
I'm glad you're enjoying the blog. Thanks so much!
Carolyn H.
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