Saturday, October 31, 2009

Good bye October....

The sun peeked out in the middle of the afternoon...calling to all of us to enjoy its warmth. I headed to the park and as I was parking the car I noticed this bald cypress tree just bursting with color! In the Spring and Summer these trees always look like evergreens to me but they are actually deciduous and after exhibiting these gorgeous colors, they, too, will eventually drop their leaves.


We are not seeing the usual autumn colors we normally see but there isn't a shortage of food. The trees and bushes are laden with fruit.

The milkweed are gracefully allowing the winds to carry its spider-like seeds into the air...

..while these orange and black beetles (milkweed bugs) feed on the juices of the seeds of the plants..

From bugs to bucks grazing in this field. I don't usually see male deer grazing together..and so I WAS very surprised when they picked up their heads to look my way!! Aren't they just striking to look at? Such handsome faces!!

I decided to sit a while on one of the many stone benches in the park. Many of the benches were made to exhibit tiles made at the Mercer Tiles Works, in Doylestown, Pa. Henry Chapman Mercer was a famous historian, archaeologist, collector and ceramist--a Renaissance man of the early 20th Century. Born and raised in Bucks County, his famous castle, tile works and museum are just a few miles away from where I live.

The late afternoon sun was showing all the colors of a fading October...and as I got up to leave I noticed that I had been in the company of one of my favorite birds. I guess he was also enjoying the last of the afternoon rays. As I drove home the sun lost its battle with the clouds. Rain again is in the forecast..tomorrow bringing a change in our clocks..but for now I guess, it's time to gather in front of the TV and hope our Phils win tonight!

17 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Tina, Our rains have quit and it's gotten cooler. I'm sitting here enjoying the TN game--with a nice fire in the fireplace.

I love Bluebirds but never see them in late Fall or Winter. Don't know where they go--but they are not in my yard. I did have a junco at the feeders today---first one ever I think at my feeders.

Love that bench in your park... And seeing two bucks together??? Wow--that's great.

Hope you are having a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

What a treat to see these beautiful bucks,and the Bluebird,oh what a beauty.Hope your fall days are filled with joy.
Blessings,Ruth

FAB said...

Hi Tina. Autumnal colour over here may well start to decline now as the winds have increased & the rain has returned with a vengance. Definitely time to snuggle up indoors.
Lovely shot of the Stags in the grass. FAB.

Gail said...

Wow, what a fall collection!

Happy November.

Chris said...

Hi Tina,
Well for once I'm getting sun but no birds!! And you are getting very nice autumn colors why we already have trees without leaves!! I love the season pictures, but I love more the bluebird one! This is a superb shot of a beautiful bird...

Marsha said...

What a beautiful park this must have been to visit in autumn. I love the cypress tree and the milkweed but my favorite are the bucks! They are usually so well hidden around here that I never get to see them much less get a pic. Gorgeous shots!

George said...

The bald cypress tree is absolutely beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen the autumn colors of this tree. I'm jealous that you've seen a bluebird this time of year.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Tina: What a wonderful series of photos. Each is special in its own way. I think those are two nice bucks with good racks. Your bluebird is so colorful.

Craig Glenn said...

What a great post Tina! I loved the photos and the story!

Craig Glenn

jalynn01 said...

What a delightful post!! The cyprus tree is gorgeous and those orange beetles give me a shiver everytime I see them.. The bucks are hanging out a bit longer until their hormones take over and they chase after the does. Our fall has been strangely rainy, dark and gloomy....but when the sun does shine the color shines too. Sweet little bluebird. Always a treat to see one of them. Great Series..

Leedra said...

Wonderful, wonderful post. Love the buck photograph, but the Bluebird too. Oh, and the color in the 1st photo....great post. Enjoyed it all.

Eve said...

Tina these are so beautiful. The color and that bluebird!! Wow! What a great walk. And I love the new header!

Dawn Fine said...

Howdee Tina..
first of all..sorry about your Phillies..oh well
thanks for the nice fall foliage tour..its nice to see the color...here on the coast of Oregon I see allot of green.

Shirty said...

Apologies for spamming your comment section - couldn't find a direct email link for you.

I've just launched a bird-themed online store, and was wondering if you'd consider adding it to your blogroll?

I make tshirts, hats, Xmas ornaments, buttons, photo cards and magnets. http://www.birdnerdgifts.com

Jann said...

Very, very nice post...I esp. just love that first one with the autumn leaves and the last of the blue bird!

Neal said...

Very nice post Tina. The leaves in our area were beautiful for a short time but it seemed a lot shorter period than normal. Hope all is well with you and your family.

A Colorful World said...

Tina--you are such a lovely writer. I enjoyed this post so much! And I enjoyed learning about Mercer. What lovely milkweed photos! Well, your photos are always amazing!

would like to hear your thoughts..