Happy Place Friends

ROSE GOLD - We’ve had warm days for early Nov. American Goldfinch are almost done their Autumn molt. Their feathers layer to create warm rosey gold tones. Eventually the cold & snow will arrive. These hardy birds will be ready. #sunflowerseeds #nature #looksaswarmasitfeels - Mom

HAWTHORN HELLO - I was admiring a lovely Hawthorn tree when a little sound made me look closer. Up from the field in front of the tree flew a Savannah Sparrow. A Species at Risk bird of Special Concern. I wish you a very safe migration! #cutebird #nature #sweetspecialsparrow -Mom

BEST VEST - Deer hunting season started & I’m nervous cuz of the loud bang sounds. BDG tries to tell me it’s Squirrels falling out of trees. I laugh butt before heading outside for a walk I slip on my supaw stylish orange safety vest. #cutedog #pets #orangeyougladyimsafe - Piper

DOE DUO - As Winter approaches, White-tailed Deer move to good foraging territory called a Deer Shed. Usually a herd of around 10 or so Does & their young choose our property. It’ll be nice to have them to watch in greater numbers again. #wildlife #nature #furryfallfriends - BDG

BED BITES - We could switch to Eastern Chipmunk content only & never be without a cute photo. They’ve been busy collecting materials for their winter dens. This fellow looked like he had an entire leaf Taco in his mouth. #cuteanimal #wildlife #nature #collectingcomfycontent - Mom

GULL GAZING - I’m away in NS. During a beautiful sunset this young Herring Gull came to see if I had snacks. It was low tide & many Gulls were finding food on the Ocean floor. This one will have to go find something on their own. #eastcoast #nature #snackswouldimprovetheview -Mom

SLITHER HITHER -This Eastern Garter Snake will soon find a safe protected place that stays above freezing temps, called their Hibernacula, to hunker down for the winter often with many other snakey friends. They go into brumation. #reptile #nature #soonseasonofsnakesnoozes - Mom

SUNNY WEED -White hairy tufts of Milkweed seed are visible in our fields. Monarch Butterflies & other insects rely on Milkweed for food. Nectar from blooms & any who can eat the toxic leaves add a chemical defence to their own bodies. #wildflowers #nature #miraculousmilkweed -BDG

JUNCO JUVIE - Dark-eyed Juncos have returned & stay all winter. Their migration south is a good indicator that snow is not far behind. I don’t really know if this Junco is actually a juvenile or a female but it works well for our title #cutebird #nature #darkeyesforecastsnow -Mom

SUPER SQUIRRELS - The amazing agility, determination & sheer strength of a Red Squirrel always impresses me. These two had the same approach for getting at the Sunflower seeds. Grip on tight & hang there while pulling out snacks to eat. #cuteanimals #wildlife #neversaynever - Mom

OH SNOW -Early Saturday morning everyone here at our Happy Place got a snowy start to their day. Just enough of that cold wet white stuff fell that it covered every surface. BDG described it as great snowball making snow. #cutesquirrel #weather #nature #prettypumpkinfrosting -Mom

FAST FOOD - An Eastern Chipmunk was feasting on Sumac berries in a fast, focused & messy fashion. He suddenly realized that I was watching him. His expression was funny when he stared at me. After a bit, he went back to eating. #cuteanimal #wildlife #nature #chipperchowdown - Mom

SEED SAVOURING - We have about 4 dozen of these small cute Chipping Sparrows right now. They love the White Millet seeds in our feeders. They’ll eventually head off flying south to areas like Florida & Mexico to enjoy a much warmer winter. #cutebird #nature #munchingonmillet -Mom

FALL FROGS -Every year we always drain our small ponds to find all the foolish Frogs who were mistakenly confident in their ability to stay in them over the winter freeze. 7 Green Frogs were given a bucket ride by BDG to our deeper safe Marsh pond. #nature #rescueandrelocate -Mom

BIONIC BOY - I had dental surgery at the Vee Eee Tee. After, I was the bestest boy at taking my Ant Tea Bionics! I’ve heard Ants are crazy strong fur their size & Tea is good fur you. So now I’ve got a healthy mouth & enhanced strength! #cutecat #pets #lessteefbigrelief - Jasper

GOOD GARDENER - Snakes are extremely beneficial for pest control plus their lives are very fascinating. This is a Northern Red-bellied Snake. Their diet includes soft bodied invertebrates like slugs, earthworms, & beetle larvae. #reptile #nature #bellyuptotheslugbuffet - Mom

JUNIOR JENNY - A young Wild Turkey was on our deck gate looking for Sunflower seeds. She’s decided it’s easier than traipsing all over when there’s an abundance of food near our home. I believe she’s a young female called a Jenny. #turkey #cutebird #nature #enjoyingeasyeats - Mom

HOWDY HANDSOME - This male Wood Duck has beautiful feather colours of a Fall day plus he knows how to get added effects from Marsh pond reflections. He’s in his fresh new outfit for the winter courtship season & will migrate south soon. #autumn #nature #fabulousfallfeathers - Mom

HERMIT HIDEAWAY - A Hermit Thrush was being very quiet on a low branch but didn’t fly away. It gave a rather surprised expression that we saw them despite their excellent hiding skills. They’re a very hardy bird who do a later migration. #bird #nature #hushedbutnotrushed - Mom

BACKLIT BEAUTY - Clouded Sulfur Butterflies were flitting around drinking nectar from late blooming Aster flowers. They’re named for their bright sulfur yellow colour & their dark cloudy edges do nothing to dampen a very cheery look. #insect #nature #sippingsunshinysulfur - Mom