The clues continue #phenology

A few hummingbirds have been to the nectar feeder today, after the downy woodpeckers left. (I'm repeating the daily hummingbird observations in an attempt to be able to note when they're no longer showing up or, possibly some day soon, that there's a marked increase in numbers from migrants passing through.)

Northern Flicker, female or immature?

Photo by J. Harrington

I'm still trying to confirm the identification of what I think is a Northern Flicker, except that it doesn't appear to have a red bar at the nape of its neck. It's showing up at the feeder on a regular basis. That would be the feeder I filled this morning with about a gallon of sunflower seeds which by mid-day was about 80% gone. There seems to be noticeably more goldfinches than usual this year. Maybe I shouldn't have left those thistle plants standing?

purple tumble-grass seedheads flying

Photo by J. Harrington

Today's breezes brought this years first observation of purple tumble grass seedheads sailing through the air. I only noticed a few, but it's another sign the seasons are tilting from Summer to Autumn. International Falls got down to 39 last night/this morning.

For the Chipmunk in My Yard

By Robert Gibb

I think he knows I’m alive, having come down

The three steps of the back porch

And given me a good once over. All afternoon

He’s been moving back and forth,

Gathering odd bits of walnut shells and twigs,

While all about him the great fields tumble

To the blades of the thresher. He’s lucky

To be where he is, wild with all that happens.

He’s lucky he’s not one of the shadows

Living in the blond heart of the wheat.

This autumn when trees bolt, dark with the fires

Of starlight, he’ll curl among their roots,

Wanting nothing but the slow burn of matter

On which he fastens like a small, brown flame.

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