A Day In The Life ...

The day starts with the honking of Canada geese as they wing southward in "V" like formations. I rise, pour myself a cup of coffee, turn on the radio and retire to my couch to sip and listen to the latest broadcast. Next, I check my mouse traps in the basement and workshop -- areas not accessible to the prowling feline, Ellie Mae. Three mice were caught yesterday -- none this morning. At this time of year they find their way into my dwelling, seeking a winter shelter. Can't blame them for that but it's wise to catch them early before they get a chance to reproduce. Their bodies will be quickly consumed by crows, skunks or other scavengers.

I check my night cam to see who enjoyed the community dish meal of table scraps I set out last night. On offer was chicken skins and fat cut from lamb chops. The plastic container was licked clean and ready for the recycle bin. As usual, Jimmy Skunk was the lucky diner and I notice he is making good progress on layering his body with fat to tide him over the oncoming winter months.

At my bird feeders, small birds try to grab a meal before the half dozen local bluejays haul away the goods. I laughed yesterday to see one of the young squirrels dash into a feeder to startle away one of those greedy blue feathered pilferers. My strategy has now switched to restocking the feeders with lesser amounts but more often.

I've got errands to run -- groceries and furnace filters to buy. But I'm reluctant to leave this little paradise even for just an hour or two.

A family of Canada Geese winging south in the early morning.

A gold finch checking the contents of a hanging feeder.

This nut hatch is in luck to find a fresh stock of peanuts and sunflower seeds.

A warbler watches for cluster flies which it will feed on before heading south.

This cardinal seems to be looking for the waitress to refill the feeder.

One of the young red squirrels has somehow lost the tip of it's tail.

Bees foraging on blossoms as yet untouched by frost.

Lucky for some, having a nap while others have to graft for a living.

Jimmy Skunk enjoying a meal of meat scraps.