Good morning everyone! Happy Monday to all of you! It looked like there was a beautiful sunrise this morning. The sky was pink and purple and so bright off in the east. But for me it was mostly hidden by the hills and trees. I imagine it would have looked fabulous from my neighbors place up on top of the hill. A picture worthy sunrise I would call it. It is mostly cloudy right now, but the clouds are breaking up and it’s supposed to be a beautiful, sunny, September day. I say it that way because it’s not supposed to be warm exactly, but a typical September day.

But it will be sunny, and that’s the main part. Even when it’s cool, it’s still nice to have that sun shining brightly, and places in the sun away from the wind will feel nice anyway. I put some chicken bones out for the crows this morning and they have been happily carrying them away. There is still tiny bits of chicken on the bones which is what the crows want, but they will even swallow the smaller bones whole. My herring gulls really enjoyed the chicken bones. But they have been gone for a long time now. Ricky was here though and got his share as well. The blue jays have been busy getting their breakfast and now need some more, so I will be right back. There we go, they sure don’t waste time coming down for those peanuts!

So far I have only seen one chipmunk, and that is Coffee. And he was slow getting here this morning. Usually there is 3 or 4 of them waiting for me when I go out to feed everyone first thing. This morning there were no chipmunks, until just now when Coffee showed up. Must all be sleeping late this morning. It is rather cool, so that could be the reason. Although it was cooler yesterday morning and they were all on time. But it is darker this morning with all the clouds so maybe they don’t realize how late it is. I’m sure they will show up soon. At least I hope so. The bear was around last night again, seems to be a nightly thing now. Like the chipmunks, they know that winter is not far off. And bears need to put on weight to keep them through the winter. Chipmunks just gather extra food.

Squirrels stay around all winter, though they still hide food away for the winter, but that is mainly for the colder days. On normal winter days the squirrels will still be found collecting pine cones from the trees. The ones they gather in the fall are kept in piles around the base of trees, rocks or logs, scattered all around their territories so it’s easy for them to find during the harsher parts of winter. That way they use up less energy, and in the winter months that is something that is very important. Squirrels near bird feeders have it easier than their forest cousins. Hopefully I can make it down to the river regularly this winter so I can give treats of peanuts to my friend Scramble. Well, time to head out shopping, have a wonderful day everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2021 Steve McLeod.