A marsh hawk sits on a fence post in the wetlands, where grasses have gone all tawny.
Weedy seed heads frame the lagoon.
Rose hips remain where roses bloomed.
A lone Douglas Fir tree on the dike struggles to survive the harsh conditions, and puts forth seeds contained in new cones.
Snow berry.
Himalayan blackberries grow here too. They are not lush like the ramblers growing in the fertile valleys, but they do produce fruit. Here a late bloom accompanies the berries.
We picked a few to enjoy on our breakfast cereal.
Tar weed is indestructible, and long blooming.
No ducks today among the now rusty reeds.
The ducks haven't returned yet to the lagoon, but there will be many a month from now, to overwinter here.Sandpipers work the mud.
My favorite feathered friend is the kingfisher. He sits and waits, then flies, hovers, and dives, crash, into the water to catch tiny fish.
And always, there are seagulls.
And Great Blue Herons.
Tar weed is such an ugly name for such a pretty yellow flower.
ReplyDeleteA late and prolific harvest of berries. Were they sweet?
I've not seen many kingfishers -- neat birds.
Linda, I'm sure I don't have to remind you and Tom what a wonderful life you're living.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you live in a different world from mine. Unique plants and birds, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteDo you still use the AC in September, which tends to be our hottest, muggiest month? I have the AC on right now at 1 pm.
gigi, it is currently 64 degrees and raining in Seattle. We used the AC only about five days this summer. We now have the heat on in the evenings!
ReplyDeleteLoved, loved, loved the kingfisher shot and the blue heron!!!
ReplyDeletewonderful nature walk, love your photos of birds...
ReplyDeleteI would love to take a walk here. The fall brings just as much beauty as does the spring and summer. I used to ignore the fall sights and one day stopped to really look at what had gone by. It has its own beauty indeed. Your photos are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes, the signs of autumn are everywhere, aren't they? I enjoyed seeing the signs near your cabin on the island. We've begun having a small fire in the wood stove each evening lately.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of the Kingfisher. Nice walk - you have a very special place on Whidbey that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteLinda, those blackberries look very tasty. Sorry that your summer is coming to an end. Hope you have a mild winter as we did. - Dave.
ReplyDeleteNice photos! I love the one of the Belted Kingfisher. Those birds are so much fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteTrees are minimally starting to turn, but with cooler temps...it won't be long before the leaves are gone. Beautiful pics!!
ReplyDeleteI too love the belted kingfisher.. we always have one fishing every summer....Your picking of the berries took me back to my days at the cabin...lovely....
ReplyDeleteKingfisher caught my eye too.. He's a beauty!
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