Fall Mushrooms

Do you remember the big tree that used to be in our backyard? The one that we had to cut down?

After the rain I noticed something. Just where that tree used to be, mushrooms are popping up.
Some are like jaunty little umbrellas.

This one looks as if it has turned inside out. There is a little pool of water caught in that mushroom cap cup.

I wonder why mushrooms are growing just right there, where the tree used to be? What do you think?

Vanessa cardui

I'm sneaking up on a butterfly. She's landing on the Ironweed.Just hold still while I get a little closer.

There! Now you see her - she's called Painted Lady. Her formal name is Vanessa cardui. You can find her all over the world (except in Antarctica!). I am glad to see her in our backyard too.

The First Leaves Fall

What are those bits of bright red on the ground? No, no, it can't be that leaves are turning already. It is not Fall yet! It is still Summer until next Tuesday.

I guess the Sumac tree didn't look at the calendar.

Seeing things clearly

Aha! This is what I needed to spot which bird is which- New binoculars!

Bird feeder down

Look what I found smashed on the ground.

The whole feeder - the hook - even the entire limb of the tree it was hung on.

Who would have broken off the whole branch?

It must have been one big fat raccoon!

At the Zoo

The flamingos all got together. "Are you all ready?"

one...

two...

three...

Go to sleep, everyone!

Clearing the path

It is a lot of work clearing an overgrown path.Jacob has taken on the path behind the waterfall. Now we call it "Jacob's path"

He found some BIG leaves to cut!