The sweetness of the mountains and small mysteries

Around here it is unwise to be complacent, which we forget. The impending fall also means changing of animal behavior which can catch you unawares. The wild orange Rufus hummingbirds have vanished leaving the less aggressive ruby throat and black chinned to enjoy a last peaceful few weeks before heading back to Mexico. Mark had a large black bear actually cross in front of him just down from the house when he was driving early to town. He kinda chased it down the road honking to get my attention at the house (which sadly I didn't see or hear) and it lumbered into our woods. They're starting to bulk up for winter so out and about a lot more.

All the mess thrown on the driveway

We have a little mystery discovered this morning. Inside the bottom of the gas grill was full of daylily leaves and cut stalks of wildflowers from the front of the house. Mark pulled it all out but what is trying to store food for the winter? We think it may be, gulp,a rat. It's big size stuff, a fair distance away to drag it over, and being done at night. The chippies and ground squirrels are not nocturnal. I'll keep you posted.

The missing twin, a girl judging from her build

And surprise, surprise - Flap has twins not just a lone fawn this year. She's very consistent, a set of twins every other year since we've been here. I'm sure she teaching these all her bad habits too.

This is a silly photo of a female grouse leading a steer (she thinks) away from her babies. The steer is simply heading to the water tank.

And these were following me. The cows have just about a month left before the cowboys round them up.

More mysteries. This bear has been attached to a fence down the main road for at least a year. I go this way on my long hikes regularly now. What's the story?

Lots of migrating birds around suddenly.Don't know where they're coming from and don't know where they're headed but must assume a warm place for winter.

Books read: The Paris Time Capsule by Ella Carey
                    A Dead Hand: A Crime in Calcutta by Paul Theroux
                    In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
The first two were okay- not my style of writing, and while In This House of Brede is considered a classic and well written, it's about nuns and a nunnery. Limited interest here sadly.

Family all coming in 8 days.  Cannot wait!