dogwood

This fall has been warmer than normal; sunny and mid-50's most days even into November. The Cardinal Dogwood shrubs have mostly turned to their autumn colors and set berries. But a few branches on the sheltered side have sprouted new buds and blossoms. I've heard some lilacs are also trying to bloom, thinking it is Springtime.

maple spendor

The maples are at peak color this week. Weather has been dry, mild, a bit warmer than normal since mid-September.

young birds, new feathers

The cardinals have been bringing their young to the feeders, teaching them to find and crack open the sunflower seeds. The little male gaped and begged at the feeder tray and the little female caught on quickly, happily skipping through the fading hosta leaves for seeds from the feeder above.

juvenile cardinals

We've been seeing Northern Cardinals every day -- both young and adult birds -- at the seed trays. This little male gaped for food when I thought he would have been hunting on his own, but with such mild weather at both ends of summer 2010 theCardinals may have had an extra brood this season.