Gray catbirds have swooped into the garden. They are everywhere!

My American goldfinches have shed their dreary gray-green feathers for vibrant yellow ones accented here and there by ebony. Breath-taking!

Bluejays are screaming … red cardinals are racing from feeder to feeder … my tiny woodpeckers are enjoying fresh suet … my wildlife garden has come alive!!!

I am sad … so sad … A neighbor cut down major trees in his natural conservation buffers - against the covenants and restrictions of my community. But I shall not rant about that … it’s too late …

A distraught bluejay high up in the trees lining my driveway was watching the devastation and calling for help. Her nest was in one of those huge trees that were felled in an instant. There was no denying her plaintive cry. My heart hurts for her … 

How many other nests were destroyed today? How many baby squirrels and baby birds died simply because some imbecile decided to destroy protected habitat simply because he didn’t like the way old trees look?

Some days, I don’t much like people …

I am so excited!!! I have a Northern saw-whet owl in my back woods. I have never heard a sound like that. It is soooo loud. I have waited so long for an owl to come into my natural conservation buffer :) It’s 10 p.m. … Happy dreams everyone!!!

The fire was quite frightening and I live quite a bit away. Looking out my front door I could see the heavy clouds of smoke and the sky had an errie glow. I couldn’t stay outside too long because the smell of smoke was acrid and I was afraid of an asthma attack. But what really boggled my mind was to see burnt leaves and particles on my back terrace, as well as traces of ash.