One reason I came home for the last week of my sabbatical was to have steady Internet access while I finish up projects. Funny thing: our local Internet has been awful-up and down or slow. Twice this week I went to the local coffee shop to use their Internet. Despite the minor inconvenience, I am moving forward. Lesson: always have a plan B.

I want to “get out there” again but am committed to staying put for now. Last night Tango and I drove to a local reservoir for an outdoors fix. Again I saw Great Blue Herons in unusual places. Seems they are gathering up and moving south. Again, I saw early signs of fall–cottonwoods with one or two yellow tufts. And night temps are soon diving into the 40s. Crab apples are nearly ready to rain down on my lawn– a wonderful winter treat for birds.

As part of my bird obsessions, the bird feeders are full. I bought a black sunflower seed feeder and am hoping for some cool migrants to stop on their way south. The photo below shows the feeder, but those birds have not shown up yet! 

I am in the process of preparing a “trip summary” and will post when complete.

Thanks to everyone who buys Amazon through my site! I appreciate your purchases!