Changes at the birdbath.

  This appeared in the SP Star about this time last year. This still is pretty much true this year.

   Since August we've began to see changes in the world of nature. I'm sure many of you have noticed that the summer birds are moving south. Locally, I haven't seen any rose-breasted grosbeaks in a few weeks. The migration to their winter home has brought an increase in the numbers of Baltimore orioles (the orioles came through earlier this year, 2016) and ruby-throated hummingbirds to the syrup feeders. There have been palm and yellow warblers in the birdbath just outside the living room window. One late afternoon a pair of young redstarts paid a visit to the birdbath, I don't recall ever having them in my yard before. 

   At this time, the regular summer birds such as chipping sparrows, goldfinches, and chickadees are losing their territorial instincts and are gathering in small flocks. Nuthatches, titmice, and pine siskins, which we'll see all winter, are appearing daily. It will be awhile, but when we start seeing juncos, we'll know we're passed the point of no return.

    Out on the river the young Canada geese and mallard ducks are as large as their parents. The water levels have been low enough for the shore birds such as sandpipers, killdeer and blue herons, to spend time pecking out some tasty morsels (maybe a mussel now and then). I hadn't seen any bald eagles for some time but twice, recently, I've disturbed one perched just to the right of my deck. The quality of the water in the river been has great for swimming this summer but soon the weather will bring it to an end for this year.

   I recently witnessed a seldom seen migration in this area. Mid-morning a couple of weeks ago there was a large turtle making its way across Hwy Y. It appeared to be leaving the wetland area that may now be dry from the lack of mid-summer rain. It was headed toward the river. It had an unusual appearance – probably nine inches around and had a helmet-shaped shell. I stopped and made sure it didn't get run over. It's sad, but I have seen turtles that didn't make it. It isn't as if they jump out in front of a moving car. I wish I would have had my camera with me. After doing some research I believe it may have been a Blanding’s turtle, which was just recently removed from the threatened list in Wisconsin. We'll never know for sure.

If you’re lucky enough to see one of this year’s white-tailed deer fawns, the white spots should be gone. When you have time, check ponds for migrating ducks. I've seen a couple of small flocks flying over the river – I couldn't identify them but could tell they weren't mallards by the distinctive movement of their wings in flight. There have been reports of blue-winged teal in the area. Some young squirrels still haven't figured out how to bite off twigs and hold on to them at the same time (nest building 101), although my flower pots indicate that they know what to do with the abundance of acorns this year.

  If you see a monarch butterfly in the next few weeks it may be one of this year’s fourth generation. This season’s mating has come to an end and these delicate creatures have the task of flying to California or Mexico. There they will hibernate until something in them awakens their drive to head back north and begin the life cycle once again. 

   

         With the cooler weather of the past couple of weeks, the Virginia creeper has started to turn red. In the prairies, some native flowers are beginning to fade but the grasses are tall and waving their bronze seed-heads in the breeze. In my small prairie I have several big bluestem grass plants that are seven feet tall. I got this photo of a native field thistle along Hwy Y. All thistles have a bad reputation but you can't tell me it isn’t a beauty of nature.

As always, keep watching – nature has something special for us around every corner.