In anticipation of the time change, we decided to get away for a few days. The chosen spot ticked all the boxes for us:  peaceful atmosphere, acres of woods with trails for birding, good restaurants and art galleries within easy driving distance, and a fudge shop. What more could we need? 

10-30-24 Fan Clubmoss Maple Sassafras leaves

Fan Clubmoss with Sassafras, American Beech and Sugar Maple Leaves on the trail

Upon our return, the chickadees started fussing immediately, letting the other birds know that the wayward crew had finally shown up! "Where's the grub?" "The bubbler is full of leaves, we can't bathe!" and on they went. We remedied the situation at hand, and chuckled at their insistence.

The birds made us feel good to be back home. As luck would have it, this poem was shared in a newsletter from Haikubox staff the same day. I'll definitely be researching this poet's work for more inspiration.

For the Bird Singing before Dawn

Some people presume to be hopeful
when there is no evidence for hope,
to be happy when there is no cause.
Let me say now, I’m with them.

In deep darkness on a cold twig
in a dangerous world, one first
little fluff lets out a peep, a warble,
a song—and in a little while, behold:

the first glimmer comes, then a glow
filters through the misty trees,
then the bold sun rises, then
everyone starts bustling about.

And that first crazy optimist, can we
forgive her for thinking, dawn by dawn,
“Hey, I made that happen!
And oh, life is so fine.”

Copyright © 2022 by Kim Stafford

Poet Laureate of Oregon 2018-2020

“Many times in my life I’ve been told by serious people that I must be very naïve to be happy, to have hope, to celebrate this little life I’ve been given when, actually, they say, everything is pretty dire. There’s war, poverty, crushing injustice all over—what right do I have to talk back to all that with flimsy little poems about the good?

What can I say? The birds are my teachers, my elders, my guides. Every day before dawn, in silence and darkness, I’m at my desk making poems on the page. And then, before light, I hear the first bird outside begin to sing.”
—Kim Stafford

 

And now, here's the birding update.

10-20-24 Tennessee Warbler

A Tennessee Warbler was seen at the bubbler on 10-20-24, and another was feeding in a black cherry a week later.

10-21-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

This Black-throated Green Warbler stopped by on 10-21-24. 

10-23-24 Red-shouldered Hawk

This Red-shouldered Hawk has been frequenting the woodland, in search of voles and other possible small prey.

  10-19-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-19-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-24-24 Golden-crowned Kinglet 10-24-24 Golden-crowned Kinglet

Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets get very excited about the bubbler! 

10-24-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are the warblers we're seeing right now. 

10-24-24 FOS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature

The first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of fall was this immature bird, seen on 10-24-24. It was seen again yesterday morning.

  10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-27-24 Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds are coming by often for water, berries and suet.

10-27-24 Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos round out the late fall picture now.

  11-2-24 Brown Creeper

Brown Creepers are also part of the scene.

11-3-24 Hermit Thrush

This little Hermit Thrush has been at the bubbler at least twice today, between the sprinkles.

We are very grateful for the rain and the birds!

May the birds bring you joy, peace and hope ~ all good for our mental and physical health.

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