One of the things I love most about the change of season is how the landscape evolves, turning from the brighter greens of spring, the golden brilliance of summer to the softer tones of fall. Acorns are everywhere.
Pine cones, too.
Most of the true "flowers" are gone and wildflowers, some might call them weeds, have taken their place.
We see more berries, all kinds and colors.
During my pine needle raking I uncovered more fungi, including this little mushroom village. You can't make me believe that fairies and sprites don't live in those little houses with the cute roofs!
This was the first day. By the second, they had doubled in size!
And of course, you can't miss the "Color Show." Here's a sneak preview!
One evening, as Rick and I were eating dinner on the porch, we saw Harry North in the almost-dark twilight. No photo, only a photo of the heart, but we were mesmerized by his stately, patient stance as he slowly stalked through the shallows, then rapidly dipped his beak into the lake for his catch. It was a masterful moment in grace.
I've seen some wonderful waterbirds, too. The cormorant (above and below) has been out quite frequently. He's very skittish and I haven't been able to catch him other than in flight (and quite cropped to enlarge.) But he's fun to watch.
Throughout the summer, I see mallards, and only the females. The lighting is bad here but these might be Mergansers.
Any more definitive thoughts, Bird Bloggers?
And I loved the seagulls with their angel wings!
This was the perfect day for the birds. They were flying, fishing, pecking at each other.
Their pristine white feathers look so dazzling against the rough, deep blue water.
Now, if they'd only done this earlier in the morning, the trees in the background would have popped. Sigh. Can't make seagulls romp on cue!
My guess for those long ducks is also American Merganser. You have a great array of waterbirds. Cormorants show where the good fishing is. Great competition for human fishers.
ReplyDeleteThe lake is indeed a special place!
ReplyDeleteJeannie you have taken me on a wondrous adventure today. As I mentioned before we don't get the beautiful fall colors here in my town on the ocean. I also miss the pine cones and needles. By the photos I do believe those are what we called Slipper Jack mushroom. These are the days that I wish I was back in N Idaho. LOL Your photos are stunning. You captured the birds in flight perfectly. If gas wasn't so expensive I would love to take a road trip through OR. and into WA. and ID to see some fall. Oh and to gather pine needles and pine sap. I'm dreaming. Thank you for this lovely post. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jeanie!!!
ReplyDeletebobbie
So much life and natural beauty around and on the lake.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
The colorful trees along the shore are breathtaking! WOW! You must be at your peak! ENJOY!
ReplyDeleteOh, what gorgeous captures! And the flight photos are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the mushroom houses.
I asked my husband and he agreed that they are Mergansers. The colours of the trees against the blue of the lake and sky are stunning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteWe have cranes on our lake and their patience in fishing is so mesmerizing. We had a dog, once who could do the same thing.
ReplyDeleteHow peaceful and beautiful. I do think about wee folk living under the mushrooms also.
ReplyDeleteCathy
No acorns here, not to speak of. The squirrels, however, are plentiful, and frantically gathering whatever they can find.
ReplyDeleteThe calico aster is lovely; a couple have made a home in my flowerbed, although i have tried hard to keep them out since they are quite invasive here. But so pretty!
Can't help with the waterfowl, but I sure enjoyed all your photos today! Your lake is a special place.
Happy Wednesday, Jeanie! I loved all your lovely photos. If only nature would comply ~ LOL. I read an interesting story on the link between abundant acorns and Lyme's Disease two years later: https://danielcameronmd.com/acorns-lyme-disease/ The important thing is to always check for ticks.
ReplyDeleteHello Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your lake views, the cormorants, mergansers and the gulls are all wonderful sightings. I am seeing lots of fungi and mushrooms around here while on my walks. Take care, enjoy your day and the rest of the week!
Lovely photos. Fall is my favorite season.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! We are not seeing much color yet.
ReplyDeleteOh the lake is so beautiful! Enjoy the colors.
ReplyDeleteBirds you say? Just as I’m looking at your blog photos, a glance out my window, birds visiting my deck! A message: It is time to put out the bird feeder. 😂
May
I thought mergansers when I saw those ducks too. We get some in the very, very early spring and I enjoy watching them. Otherwise the rest of the summer we just see mallards-- both male and female.
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