Meanders through the Hinterland

      When the leaves start to turn to reds and golds it heralds the time to roam the back-country roads to enjoy the autumn spectacle anew. The ritual is revived each year and far from getting old, it seems better every fall. Perhaps age brings with it an enhanced appreciation of the dependable rhythm of the seasons.

     For Miriam and me there is an uncontrollable urge to go out and seek the glory of autumn on the landscape we call home.

09 October, 2022

     Are the colours not glorious? Is there not a sense of peace about it all? Does it not just seem right?

     The scene above is not even five minutes from our home and who could fail to be thrilled by the proximity of such beauty.

     A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) probably does not stop to admire the scenery, being more focussed on building up a stash of well-concealed seeds to see it through the winter.

     But we feel compelled to admire the beauty again and again, and Miriam has captured it to share with you.

     One of the many benefits conferred by living in a region populated by Amish and Mennonite communities is the abundance of horses, magnificent creatures that they are, and we are reminded of their service to humans throughout history.

     These sturdy creatures will enable crops to be planted and grains to be harvested.

     One had perhaps spied a patch of grass with extra appeal and wandered off alone.

     A quartet of lovely Mennonite ladies were out for a stroll; I have no doubt that they too appreciated the colours of fall, while thinking ahead perchance to cold winter journeys in their buggies with snow blowing in their faces.

     A male Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialia) was perhaps scouting suitable nest sites for the following spring, to gain an advantage over others vying for females.

     An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) worked over the ground looking for unwary invertebrates to satisfy a hungry bird.

     Close by, a Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) was similarly occupied.

     Myrtle Warblers (Setophaga coronata) seem to be especially numerous this fall, at least where we have looked. Each one brings us joy.

16 October, 2022

     American Crow (Corvus brachyrynchos) has developed a healthy mistrust of humans, so it was remarkable that this individual did not fly off instantly.

     The colours are still vibrant in many locations.

     As mentioned earlier, Myrtle Warblers have been our frequent companions this year, and along the bank of the Conestogo River in the hamlet of Hawkesville they were once again easy to find.

     The air was filled with clouds of midges and other small insects and the warblers were adept at sallying forth to snag them.

      This resplendent tree was far from the opposite bank of the river, but I am pretty sure it is a species of Maple (genus Acer).

     White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) have joined the parade of migrants moving through the area.

     This species has completed its breeding season farther north and will spend the winter months in the southern United States, with a few going as far as northern Mexico.

     As many poets and artists have discovered there is a special kind of beauty about a river, especially one unsullied by human intrusion.

     Domestic Marigolds (family Asteraceae) have become established in wild spaces and add a dash of colour to the ground.

     Perhaps this is Targetes erecta?

     No doubt one of my gardening friends will be able to confirm the identification (Marit?).

     Some foliage seems to stubbornly resist changing colour.

     There are hints of colour showing, however, and soon the leaves will fall and the tree will conserve its resources to endure the winter ahead, all the while holding the promise of spring.

     In the meantime, tranquility reigns!