My First Confession, Golden Autumn Begins, Beautiful Birds

 A warm Canadian Welcome to my amateur nature nut blog! 

My first confession...I like to place my hand on trees. There is something about the various textures of their barks that I love.  And the strength that I feel when I lean in gives me strength.  I am just learning more about trees besides that which I always knew- they are beautiful, strong and useful. Here I am patting trees in the deciduous forest part of our trails. 

Summer is gradually fading but there are still lots of blooms to enjoy and photograph.  The autumn Asters, both wild and perennial in my garden, are opening and still being enjoyed by the odd bumblebee though their numbers have greatly lessened. 

But golden is the predominant colour for autumn here in a south western Ontario garden. Here is Liguliaria with its elephant ear sized leaves. This has not fared as well this year; maybe the continued bouts of humidity and high temperatures were not to its liking.

And of course, wild Goldenrod.

 I have a couple of patches of this one- a Sedum, Stonecrop, I think, which is very pretty up close and I like its succulent like leaves. 

The Brown Eyed Susans bloom a little earlier and last a long time. Like the Asters, there are banks of these planted in garden areas as well as wild dotting the little meadow areas.

Last night I went to sleep to the sound of two Barred Owls calling to each other in the woods behind my bedroom. It gave me the most wonderful feeling to know they are out there.  Perhaps it was these two I photographed down by our little pond at the start of summer. I still can summon the awe I felt as I watched them and took a few photos. 

I do love it when I spy those large birds. But I equally enjoy catching a shot or two of one of these, the  woodpeckers that frequent our little woods and just love this old pole. Its head was a blur.  

I love my rambles on this property and I especially like returning to the wooden house and having a cup of something. Would that feel wonderful to you too?

I sincerely hope your day includes some time in the great outdoors. 

Also happy to link this post with Stewart at Paying Ready Attention, Floral Friday Foto, Viewing Nature With Eileen, Our World Tuesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'.