26-OCT-2018
Mallard, male
The mallard, one of four, looks as if swimming into a dense cattail stand, but this is only the reflections.
26-OCT-2018
Common redpolls
Another shot of the redpolls feeding on new england aster seeds.
26-OCT-2018
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
Red squirrels were very active, the colder weather making them more than usually busy as they prepare for winter.
26-OCT-2018
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
As mentioned previous, red squirrels were numerous at the garden, including this one who was hanging out under the feeder in the Backyard Garden area, chasing away any other squirrels that came close to the seed on the ground.
26-OCT-2018
Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Very little is in flower anymore but there was a surprisingly fresh and large stand of goldenrod. The only insect I found on this cold day was a fly.
26-OCT-2018
Common redpoll
New england asters and goldenrods are plentiful and in seed and they were attracting a small flock of common redpolls who were feeding quite voraciously on them. Goldfinches, siskins and sparrows also feed on these and other weedy seedheads. This is a reminder to gardeners to leave your seed bearing plants standing over the winter!
26-OCT-2018
Autumn in the garden
The red oaks have turned a bronzy gold, the poplars full-on gold, and the sumacs scarlet, in this shot. The garden is full of colour, but it is vanishing fast; the sumacs have lost some of their leaves, the maples are shedding theirs quickly too, but while it lasts it is spectacular.
26-OCT-2018
The pond
Sumacs adding a red hue to the landscape.
26-OCT-2018
common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Hoping that these seeds spread and produce lots of lovely milkweeds.
26-OCT-2018
Black-capped chickadee
The bird feeders were a popular spot for birds including this peanut feeder which at times had several chickadees pecking at the nuts.
26-OCT-2018
Mallard, female
Four mallards in the pond must have been enjoying the sunshine which warmed things up considerably given the air temperature was only about +4.