Warm Afternoon

The sun was warm.
The temperatures rose into the 60's.

The Eastern Comma came out to sun.

A few bees found some nectar.

The killing frosts left a few blooms.

An Orange Sulphur flew about the yard.
I thought she was a leaf.

Breakfast with the birds

I filled the feeders
and bird baths early.

I wanted the Pine Siskins
to feel welcomed.



I wanted all the birds, that call the backyard home,
to have plenty of food and water.

I took my breakfast outside,

a simple bowl of seeds.

I wanted to have breakfast with the birds.
I think I will have lunch with them too.

Pine Siskin

Hello!

I was sitting on the deck when I saw six
Pine Siskins come to the feeders.

These are new to my backyard.

I have been reading about them.

I was hoping some would find my feeders.
This is the first time I have ever seen them.
I am excited.
Pine Siskins in my backyard!
Oh joy!

Wild Turkey

In the American Indian tradition
the Wild Turkey
is a noble bird.

The Turkey is known as the Give-Away Eagle.
I honor the Turkey today.

Sitting with Autumn

Sitting with Autumn



is sitting in color.

Sitting with Autumn

is sitting with my friends.

She called...

"Come sit with me.




Take off your shoes.

Watch my leaves dance.

Soon cold air will come.
Soon the trees will be bare.

Come sit with me,
for just an hour."

Falling Leaves

The leaves are falling.
The wind is gusting.

Each leaf is a blessing.

This is sacred ground.

These are holy days.

I am writing.
I am sitting on the deck.
I am one with the falling leaves.

Bright Sunday

The mid-day light
was bright.

The leaves shine like a second sun.

The butterflies are tattered.

The air is warm.

Cold front coming in.
It is dark before it is even time for supper.

The Autumn Leaves

First Frost

I slept in this morning.
The sun was already
over the horizon.

When I raised the shades
to greet November
I saw frost in the gardens.

I grabbed my robe and slippers.
I went outside.


I have house chores today.
Time to put Halloween away.

I want to be outside.
I want to be with first frost.

All Souls Night

End of October

The Lady beetles have hatched.
They are swarming.

The Grey Hairstreaks
have found the mums.

I gathered Red Zinnia seeds.
The Painted Ladies did not mind.

The female Cardinal waited in the bushes.

I have my seeds now for next year.
Seed to seed.
The year is passing.

October's Butterflies

The gardens were full of activity.
Butterfly wings kept me outside.

Three Buckeyes were feeding in my favorite mums.

Checkered Skippers found nectar in the marigolds.

Painted Ladies were in the zinnias.

Skippers were everywhere!
Lots of butterflies today.
It is warm, 64 degrees.
Perfect October day for butterflies.

Birds

Squaw Creek
National Wildlife Refuge
comprises 7,350 acres.
It is along the eastern edge of the
Missouri River floodplain.



We watched Great Egrets,
Pelicans,
Ducks, Geese and Hawks.

We watched juvenile
Double-crested Cormorants

and their parents dry their wings
on muskrat houses.

Although Squaw Creek is in the Midwest, many shore birds come through
on their way south to their winter homes.
We watched Yellowlegs and Coots.
The Swans will begin migrating in December to winter here.
The Eagles have already begun to arrive.

I could watch all day.

Squaw Creek

We arrived early.
The fog was rising off the marsh.

We stayed until mid-day.

I am learning landscape photography.

This landscape is photogenic.

It is filled with wonder.

Chorus of Spirits

Kansas Flint Hills

The Tallgrass Prairie
is a national treasure.



Spending time in the Flint Hills
is spending time
in an ancient
landscape.




I saw a glimpse of the vast prairie,
honored,
and respected.

I listened to the sounds of the Prairie:
the wind, the Cottonwood Trees,
Swainson's Hawk.

While my brother and I traveled
we listened to original songs performed
by Kansas Musicians.

Kanza, People of the wind.

I watched the light.
I found the subtle beauty
of each each moment.

I found my Prairie.
My own inner vastness,
honored and respected.

Full Hunter's Moon

I laid on my bed in her beams.
I closed my eyes and had sweet dreams.

Happy Hunter's Moon