Early Autumn at the Ditch

Fall is definitely in the air. It is less than a week till the equinox and the changes are obvious. I wake in the morning and it isn't light yet -- or at least bright light. Rick's bike rides end earlier. There's a decided nip in the air, even when the days warm up. And of course, I see signs in nature. Changing leaves, more egrets at area ponds. It's early autumn.

At the ditch I've noticed the ducks are far more plentiful. I suspect all those babies of the spring are now gathered with their parents and siblings.

They seen to have two or three spots where they cluster -- a hill by the big pond (above); a spot by a narrow pond...

...and a shady place by the second pond.

Even on the cooler days, they are clearly enjoying the water!

They're not the only ones. I was lucky enough to see not one but two deer in the large pond.

They were so very beautiful -- seemingly unafraid of those who had clustered to take their photos.

But most definitely aware.

They seemed to be munching on something in the water -- the lily pads, perhaps?

I stood and watched them for a long time, until they moved off toward the woods.

I'm seeing more colors in the leaves...

...and the berries seem to be bursting with bright flashes of red.

I've only seen one egret at the ditch, but we've met up several times.

And of course, Harry is still here...

...but just for awhile. Ah, fall.

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