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Thursday, October 26, 2023

Bright spot in back yard #1085

We had a few clear days among the rainy, windy and even cold weather the past two weeks. My walks in the back yard  were often uncomfortably chilly. Birds, if seen were wind-blown and quickly disappeared into cover. One morning the skies briefly cleared, the wind died down and I was suddenly rewarded, sighting 22 bird species during a 90 minute watch.

A few Yellow-rumped Warblers may remain here all winter and are usually encountered singly, but they showed up in a flock of four or more. One posed out in the open:



A real surprise was the appearance of a Blackpoll Warbler. This species breeds in boreal forests in far northern Canada and most migrate through in September. This was the only October sighting in our Town and latest in the County. I caught these images by pure luck as I noted unidentified bird activity among the leaves. Sometimes I am conflicted as to whether to reach for my binoculars or the camera, so I selected the camera and recorded its appearance for a second or two before it disappeared. 

The foliage was in shadow, so my photos were a bit overexposed as I did not have time to decrease the exposure compensation, but I loved the soft color tones of leaves and feathers:




The fall appearance of the Blackpoll male is remarkably different from that in breeding plumage. I took this photo in Illinois on April 14, 2011 (Note the bright pinkish feet, which distinguish this bird in all seasons):

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker was calling excitedly from the top of a maple tree. I did not know what had attracted his attention:


Watching the feeders through the window, I captured images of a Blue Jay...

...and a White-throated Sparrow which had recently arrived from the north:

Seen from the back porthole window 80 feet (24 M) away, an Eastern Bluebird braved the drizzle, with the fall foliage as a backdrop:

The leaf- and acorn-strewn side lawn is deliberately left untended. Four Wild Turkeys have become regular visitors. Visibility of this area from our windows is limited, but here are a couple of rainy-day captures:


A Red Fox looked up at me from the top of the brush pile in the clear-cut before running off:

A misty morning on October 19:

Autumn foliage has reached its peak. Orange predominates. Here the cloud deck has lifted to provide a view of Hartford, 11 miles to our northwest:



A breeze distorted the reflections on the lake:

On a personal note, this week marks two years since I underwent a right hemicolectomy and liver resection for stage 4 colon cancer. It recurred in my liver and right lung and progressed despite a year of chemotherapy. I reacted badly to the platinum drug which was added to my regimen, and also was hospitalized for sepsis in April. After my May infusion I decided, after deep discussion with MaryLou and in consultation with other family members and my excellent Oncologist, to discontinue chemotherapy in favor of improved quality of life and recognition that this condition is incurable. The 2-year survival rate after surgery for cancer of the cecum is only about 15%.  So far, I have been doing quite well, although there are limitations on my mobility and stamina. As long as I continue to look forward to my window views, back yard forays and interaction with my wonderful extended family, so many friends and online contacts, I will try to keep to my schedule of weekly blog posts. I thank you all for your prayers and expressions of love and concern. 

This week's header: Mid-October misty morning--


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Linking to:



Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday)

Wild Bird Wednesday

My Corner of the World
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Please visit the links to all these posts to see some excellent photos on display
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18 comments:

  1. ...Kenneth, I'm sorry to hear of your health concerns. I wish you the best.

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  2. Our health ~ quality of life is what is important ~ I would opt out of any kind of treatment at this stage of my life (I am only 76) but I have seen too many go through raidiation and chemo resulting in a very short extension of life and not a quality life ~
    Your photos are showing you are enjoying the quality of life and the beauty ~ and very professional ~
    lots of prayers and hope palliative care helps ~ no guarantees anywhere on any day ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  3. Ken, your positive outlook and gratitude is so admirable. Thoughts and prayers, and looking forward to many future Rosyfinch Ramblings posts!

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  4. These bird photos are just gorgeous. Sorry about your health.

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  5. I think 22 species in 90 minutes is pretty good birding! You seem to be handling things in a very dignified way, take care.

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  6. Wonderful captures!
    Best wishes always. Take care.

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  7. I'm sorry about your health issues. You take such gorgeous photos and I'm glad you can continue to take some from where you are perched indoors. I'll add my prayers.

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  8. What a really lovely set of photographs, Ken.

    I'm totally jealous of the Blackpoll Warbler, especially with that colorful background! The bird I might have a chance to see down here, but not much hope for all those pretty leaves.

    You remain in our prayers. Gini and I have been having the same sort of quality of life discussion among ourselves and with our children.

    Here's to more birds outside both our windows.

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  9. Your observations of the bird life in your backyard are always a delightful. Your photos, even with the overexposure, captured the beauty of the moment.

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  10. Hello Ken,
    I would be happy seeing all these species in my yard. The Warblers are wonderful birds, you captured beautifully. Love the shots of the Red-bellied Woodpecker. The Bluebirds are always a favorite of mine. Pretty sky captures and photos. A great post. It is great you have such a good attitude on your health, quality of life is important. Sending best wishes! Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter post. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment

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  11. I keep you in my prayers and know you are strong and have your family around you for support too. Take care of yourself. I know you enjoy each day to the fullest and enjoy nature as much as I do. Sweet hugs from Florida, Diane

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  12. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. I admire your choice for quality of life. Viewing 22 species in 90 minutes must have made your day for sure. What a moment to choose the camera or the binoculars. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of birds, animals and spectacular scenic views of the area where you live. Take care.

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  13. I am so sorry to hear you have been doing it tough to no avail. I am glad you can see the wonderful birds and sunsets that you capture with your camera. Here's to feeling better and enjoying them a little more. Wishing you the best of everything xx (and thanks for sharing those magnificent autumn leaves with #Allseasons)

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  14. So much beauty in your area, thanks for sharing it. You are in my prayers.

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  15. You take such fab photos those birds look lovely :-)

    Have a backyardtastic week 👍

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  16. Keep enjoying those wonderful days in the presence of fabulous species.

    Positive thoughts from you will go along way
    Positive thoughts to you

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