Fall is finally arrived, in paper if not in practice. The days are still relatively scorching, the grass is still thriving, and the mountains are still bare of the first autumn snow. But there are small signs of autumn, clues so subtle that you might miss them if you don't take the time to stop and realize the wonder of the changing season.
- A whiff of ripe concord grapes in the air
- Gently colored tips on leaves
- Soft blushes of color on mountain forests
- Nippy air if you're up early enough to feel it
Of course,
bird migration is a great clue for autumn, but it can be hard to see in the backyard as well. Oh, the
black-headed grosbeaks are long since departed, and the baby
California quail are definitely growing up, but my yard isn't one migrants frequent as much as I'd like. Still, there are more
rufous hummingbirds about, and when watching them at the feeders, they're certainly putting on the grams in preparation for their departure. The
western scrub-jays are caching peanuts with more than their usual vengeance, and the
black-billed magpies - so often absent in summer as they nest - have returned for their peanut ration as well.
These brief clues can be easily overlooked if we don't take time to pause and appreciate the season. This weekend I hope to do more appreciation in the guise of heading off to view some of the area's most beautiful fall spots, and there is always the hope of more fantastic fall birds to enjoy as well. Happy autumn!
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