Winter Robins

The Hawthorne tree has been Go Food for a flock of robins over the past few days. These robins might be on their way from Canada--they seem more robust than the genteel variety we usually see around here in warmer weather. In any case, there are several dozens of them, and they are quite fond of hawthorne berries. The tree is looking a little sparse, but a great many of the berries are now on the ground--waiting for the next round of diners.

Same tree... a week apart

Strange weather, here in Maine. I don't know what the critters are thinking, but this little Hawthorne tree near the pond must have been pretty shocked.

Early Autumn at the Pond

Summer lingers around the rim, but Autumn is making it's way to Frog Song Pong. The pond babies of Spring have grown up to swim and fly and feed on their own. This little wood duckling is more of a teenager now. (Photo was taken through my window--they're too skittish to get close). We've seen five of them swimming around. Maybe the next book should be Pond Teens...

The chickadees are busily harvesting pine nuts from the cones.

Some critters avoid being the harvest themselves by clever camouflage. See this moth? Can you see it in the next photo?
Stay tuned for more Fall images.

Frog & Friends

Well, maybe "frog & lunch" would be more accurate--I'm not sure. But anyway, this handsome fellow wasn't anywhere near these lovely moths. The black and white one is a leopard moth, and is nocturnal. I have no idea what the other one might be, but would love to know. First I've seen of either one of them. Gorgeous!

Froggy time at the pond

So great to see the frogs again!

Turkey Crossing

A parade of turkeys crossed the snow-heaped pond today, leaving zig-zag trails.

November Turtles

Two Chrysemys picta picta took advantage of a strangely balmy day in Maine to soak up some sun. Two weeks ago there was a thin skim of ice on the pond.