We have been busy raking, mulching, and gathering up the many leaves that fall around our home. I always say I love our trees, but when Autumn comes and the leaves begin to fall all of our free time turns to work! Our morning walks are sometimes traded for yard duty. We are thankful that our grandson works diligently with us as we work on our tasks.
The leaves have been so beautiful this year. Our Red Oak trees have been particularly lovely as the sun shines through their branches. First the leaves from our Black Gums fall then the White Oaks, then the Maples, then the Dogwoods, then the Red Oaks. Sometimes when we are outside doing our chores we are gifted with sights that thrill us!
We could hear the crows as they were flying around this hawk trying to chase him away! I believe he is a red shouldered hawk, but I'm not positive. Crows will do this when a hawk is threatening them for some reason or another.
They successfully chased him off, but not before we could watch him and retrieve the camera off the table inside.
Hawks are easier to see when the leaves begin to fall. Watch for them as you are out and about in your area.
A couple of weeks ago I saw this smaller hawk on my neighbor's fence.
Every afternoon as I am relaxing I see this male cardinal in the Nellie Stevens holly outside of our Florida room windows. Little did I know when I took this photo that he had a friend nearby. Can you spot the white-throated sparrow on the branch behind him?
During this season of Thanksgiving I am grateful for the many blessings that our home brings, even endless hours of leaf raking. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, my friends!
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
William Arthur Ward
Oh my! Yes, your foliage is gorgeous. Fall clean-up is definitely a chore. I need help with mine and I'm glad that you have help with yours.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the hawk and the cardinal with friend.
Vee, I'm glad you have help with clean up. Our enormous volume of leaves can be quite daunting. Thank you for your comments, my friend.
DeleteMartha Ellen, that's great that you got out there and did some yard work and raking and cleaning. I have been wanting to do that also, but it's been so cold here, in the 20's and 30's. The photo of the red cardinal made my heart sing. I know I mentioned before it is my dream to see one in person, as I don't see them in California. The Hawk is a grand bird, and I do see them at the creek sometimes. I love your door wreath, it's so pretty, and Thanksgiving looking. What a beautiful Autumn tree that is in your yard, and it's so good that your grandson helps out with the outside chores.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, dear friend. I am thankful for your wonderful blog posts and for your friendship.
~Sheri
Sheri, it sounds like you are experiencing cold temperatures early. I hope you see a cardinal in person. They really stand out all year long, but especially in the colder weather. I've used that wreath in many ways in Fall. It also looks nice around a glass hurricane with a candle. I hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy. I'm thankful to know you and always look forward to visiting you, my friend!
DeleteI, too, am glad that Samuel helps you with your big job of raking! He is a thoughtful grandson! Thank you for sharing your birds with us. Your photos are wonderful! I would never have noticed the little feathered photo bomb if you had not pointed him out. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Thank you, Cheryl. We are grateful that Samuel helps us in so many ways and is always cheerful. He squeezes us into his busy work and school schedule.
DeleteIt was so surprising to see the little sparrow behind the cardinal!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Your red leaf oak is really spectacular. Such a stunning contrast against the blue sky as well. Aren't all garden birds wonderful? We have such diversity from each other. We are blessed! Fondly, Deb.xoxo
ReplyDeleteDeb, yes this time of year is wonderful for bird viewing. Our red oaks have really lived up to their name this Fall. We are indeed blessed with such beauty, my friend. xoxo
DeleteYour Thanksgiving wreath and color is absolutely stunning. Stunning. and how lucky you got a photo of the hawk taking off. Flight pix are so hard with digital delay in so many cameras and boy, it's nice. You remind me about looking through the branches now that the leaves are gone. Love the cardinals -- we have snow and they really stick out now!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanie for your kind words. I couldn't believe I had gotten those lucky shots of the hawk launching into flight. Just clicking away sometimes pays off!
DeleteGreat photos of the hawk and cardinal. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ellen. It's always fun to see what's flying around our home. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!!
DeleteDelightful photos Martha Ellen :) Wonderful action ones of the hawk. A good catch of the White-throated sparrow behind the Cardinal, and that wreathe is marvelous. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your dear family.
ReplyDeleteI never know what shows up on photos until we take a better look on the computer. I was thrilled when the hawk stayed around long enough to capture his beauty. Thank you for your kind comments as always. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your dear family as well, dear Denise.
DeleteBeautiful colour in the trees and so nice to see the birds.
ReplyDeleteBelated Happy Thanksgiving wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan.
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