DJ Geribo

As we come to the end of summer, I look back on the variety of birds I enjoyed and the ones I missed. Over the years we used to get the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak but I haven't seen them for a few years now. We did change our bird feeder so that only the smaller birds (and not the squirrels) can access the sunflower seeds. Perhaps that has something to do with it. For a few years we were getting the Northern Tufted Flycatcher but I didn't see them this year. And every year since we've lived here we've had the Tree Swallow nesting in a couple of the houses we put out but I was sad not to see them this year. 

Many people declare that 'summer is over' when it is the end of August and Labor day is just a few days away. Somehow the Labor day weekend has come to mean the end of summer in much the same way Memorial day weekend at the end of May is known as the beginning of summer. 

Along with the abundance of birds in our yard we have been fortunate to catch sight of a deer or two as they make their way through the wild olive trees growing on our property. Just yesterday morning, for example, as we were getting ready to go golfing (our favorite summer activity) we saw a deer nibbling on some bushes at the back of our house. My husband Jim and I always pause to watch the beautiful animals, hoping they don't make their way to our hostas but happy to see them looking healthy as they munch on the variety of wild shrubs we have growing on our property.

One of my favorites things about summer is the number of birds and other wildlife we see around. I enjoy watching the deer with their fawns in our backyard. Many of the birds have returned, including one of my favorites, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. And then we have the mischievous chipmunks who can't seem to stay out of my planters that I adorn our back deck with, full of annuals that never fail to impress. 

It's here! And now that it's here, it is feeling a little bit more like early Fall or late Spring with temps in the 50's and 60's overnight and into the 70's by day. But that's fine with me, I would love a cool summer, as long as it is sunny!