The Transition to Autumn

Even in late August, even in this time in the southeast, Nature has begun her inexorable progress towards winter. We have seen a few signs, mainly among the trees, that fall is upon us. And there are migrants coming and going. For our bird friends, I am sure that cues have been issued to start preparing for harder times. Some of our local birds seem more intent on feeding that before, particularly our wrens and woodpeckers. Are they already starting to build fat reserves while the living is easy? I think so. It will not be all that many weeks until our first killing frost: my guess is ten weeks out this year. There are still insects and seeds and suet in abundance, but

that will change (except at my feeders!) For now, the summer is lazy and the birds seem almost like the last campers at the lake, getting in their final licks. It will be interesting as always to watch the change in behavior.