I determined it too cold to go for a walk today, so the best I could manage was to go out in the yard to hang feeders and then return a bit later to take a few photos if the birds would put up with me standing there. As it turns out, the American Goldfinches are most used to this.

I did spot one of the Dark-eyed Juncos that’s been hanging out for months under the sunflower seed feeder in the middle of the yard. Earlier through the kitchen windows I saw a male Northern Cardinal and later, a Blue Jay, but they were no longer available. I’ll have to wait for better weather.

I discovered some older photos on the card that I had taken with that camera, but they weren’t fit for publishing, except for some captures from August 16, 2025, that remind me of what’s possible come summer.

Google identifies this as a Red-legged Grasshopper. I was delighted to find it on the stalk of a Common Milkweed in the front yard.

The bees were crazy for the Cup Plant flowers last summer.

Two flies caught my attention that day: a Common Flesh Fly and a Common Green Bottle Fly. They were both on unopened blooms of the Tall Ironweed.

The Tall Ironweed was just starting to bloom along with the goldenrod by the back porch steps (photo below). Although this is one of my favorite color combinations in late August and September, I will have to tame the patch this year if I want to grow any chiles. I’ve already pre-ordered my chile plants, so I will have my work cut out for me.

The idea of digging in the yard was very attractive while sitting here on the futon writing this earlier in long underwear and heavy socks. The birds encouraged me to get up and play piano and serve them an evening snack. I’m warmer now, but the day is gone. Does it feel different yet, this 2026? Somewhere, something is turning over.