Please don’t hate me because I’m warm. Because I’m not warm. I’m freaking HOT. And not in a good way.
While I realize that many of you didn’t have much of a summer and that you’re probably freezing your keisters off prematurely, we here in Florida have been roasting in 90º heat way past its time.
For weeks now, I’ve been staring at the peaked roof of the County Courthouse, waiting for the arrival of the Turkey Vultures, and therefore, fall. The Turkey Vultures, while seen all over South Florida in the winter, seem to love the thermal air currents around the courthouse. Their arrival is some reassurance that eventually the humidity will drop and the temperatures will moderate. But everyday, I’m disappointed. No vultures. C’mon! It’s October! Where’s Fall?!?
Oh. There it is. The first American Redstart showed up at my birdbaths this week! The American Redstart is a warbler that hawks – or hover-gleans – its food, and is mucho cool to watch as it flits up and through the branches of trees and shrubs to catch insects or nab a berry. This one is either a female or first-year male, and seems to be the first of this year’s winter migrants, at least in my yard. Yay!
And I saw a Turkey Vulture this morning. Just one, but can his buddies be far behind? Fall. Finally.
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Michelle at Rambling Woods is hosting Nature Notes: Signs of the Season, a weekly meme dedicated to challenging us to take a moment out of our hectic lives and notice the seasonal changes – large and small – taking place in nature all around each of us, in our own little corners of the world. Please visit Michelle and all the other participants, and maybe take some of your own Nature Notes!
Michelle says
Redstarts are such a cute little birds. My favorite are the Chickadees and I love their chirps too. So darn cute!
Stine in Ontario says
I must admit I do not envy your heat. True, our summer was practically non-existent, though.The turkey vultures are arriving in Florida? Interesting as I think a few are still here in Canada, although they may be ones from further north passing through.I'll enjoy seeing fall and winter through your lens.
NicoleB says
Yeah for cooler temps and for the migrants arrival :DI feel your pain. It's over 40Celsius here this weekend, but supposedly NOT so much humidity. We shall see.Can't wait for it to get cooler next week, yuck 😉
Leora says
I had a hard time finding any birds at all this morning (when I purposely took some photos for Nature Notes). I finally saw some sparrows, but they took off. I suppose all the birds are heading in your direction. Enjoy.
MyMaracas says
What a cute little bird that is! But, vultures? I'm not sure I'd be so happy to see those.Sorry you're roasting. I sympathize – I hate heat. LOVE the Halloween flamingoes and decorations on your blog!
dsmcaron says
For as cold as it is up north, I'm surprised the turkey vultures you seek haven't arrived. Where have they been?
Gel says
What a treat to see birdie photos! BTW, we've had turkey vultures in our backyard woods, too, but I've not caught one on film yet.
Rambling Woods says
It snowed here RJ…snow….sigh.. I hope you guys cool off soon. I love the watch turkey vultures soaring, but I will have to wait till next spring… I have a bird bath similar to yours but I had to get out the heated bird baths.. Stay cool RJ… Michelle