11 October, 2020 I opted for color in the rain

So much color this week! But I also saw not one but two pairs of Red-tailed hawks. Again! I opted not to open with them because they’re not super bright (colored). But, as you’re aware (unless this is your first time on this blog), I have an ongoing fascination (not to say obsession) with Red-tailed hawks. And this year I’m seeing more pairs than I’ve ever seen. I think it’s just increased awareness. 

I’ve been fascinated with raptors since at least high school and probably earlier. But my current level of interest didn’t begin in earnest until 2015 when I realized a pair lived within two blocks of my house. Now they just seem to appear in front of me. 

It didn’t occur to me until this year – after five years of this – that the only time  you’ll see a pair together is when the nest is entirely empty. I realize now if there is an egg or an unfledged juvenile at the nest, one adult will always stay. Probably to guard against crows but also raccoons. Mid-July was when I saw my first pair of Red-tails together this year. That makes sense timing wise for youngsters to have fledged. 

We still have two Monarch Butterfly chrysalises on the bush in front of our house. Presumably at some point as a chrysalis-watcher we shrug and say “No luck this year – hopefully in 2021.” But I’m not convinced we’re at that point yet. Watch this space next week. If a butterfly hasn’t emerged from the chrysalis by that time, the odds are slim. We’ll see. 

We didn’t go to the river this morning; it was too messy out. But Mackey and Turner and I caught a break in the rain and went over to Bryan Park. It was still damp and gray but the temperature was balmy and we had a nice hike. We took a break in the woods mid-hike: 

Oops! I had all these gorgeous flowers from our yard. But Ev and I went to the Fan Wednesday (10/7) to pick up some food from our favorite restaurant (don’t tell the other restaurants) Fresca on Addison. It’s our favorite restaurant twelve months a year, but as an added bonus – as if we needed one – these gardenias bloom in profusion along the sidewalk. Like magic!: 

Come back next week! Enjoy the coming week! All best, 

Jay