Vultures Hanging Out Together

November 3, 2026

I’m sorry that I didn’t have this photo to post on Halloween night. But even today it is still a bit creepy.

This picture is of several vultures, either Turkey Vultures (Catharses aura) or American Black Vultures (Coragyps stratus) hanging out in a White Oak tree (Quercus alba) at the bottom of my mountain. Since I am only able to see them as silhouettes, I can’t identify their species.

I often go past this tree in the early morning and get to witness this gathering taking place. The vulture that is spreading its wings may be bringing its temperature up, since they allow their body temperatures to drop during the night to save energy, and spread their wings in the morning to collect sunlight to warm themselves. Another reason may be that they feed on decaying carcasses filled with bacteria, mold, and parasites, and the sunlight and UV rays help kill those troublesome things that accumulate on their feathers.

And I have to say, even though I do think this sight is a bit creepy, I have great respect for these creatures that are doing a great favor for humanity.

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Not The Most Frequent Of Visitors

November 2, 2026

A tiny bird, a Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis). Even smaller than the much more commonly seen Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). The Winter Wren is 3.1 to 4.7 inches in length while the Carolina Wren is 4.7 to 5.5 inches. And true to its name, it is only here in central Virginia during the winter. And not always then.

The Winter Wren’s normal diet is small insects and invertebrates but during the winter they will modify their diet to include berries and fruits.

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Hermit Thrush In Morning Light

November 1, 2026

At the bird bath, caught in the early morning light. I’m glad to see this winter resident. A Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus).

The Hermit Thrush, during warmer times will spend its time looking for insects, caterpillars, spiders and earthworms on the forest floor, but as the weather becomes cold, it will change its diet to berries and fruit.

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Witch Hazel Blooms In The Park

October 31, 2026

Lots of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) blooming in the park yesterday. Half way through the trip till I noticed any, but then I was seeing it everywhere. Blooms that look like they’re made of yellow coconut shreds.

This species of Witch Hazel blooms from mid-October through to early December. As you might imagine, there are not many pollinators during bloom time, since it’s so chilly. Flies are the most common visitors, including fungus gnats, hover flies, fruit flies, and blow flies.

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    Peak Of The Season

    October 28, 2026

    Today, peak of the season. Spectacular colors all around. I had an errand to run over in the Shenandoah Valley, which took me up through Shenandoah National Park, which matched the leaf color on my mountain. Pure pleasure.

    Here, rusty red White Oak leaves (Quercus alba) with a few of them still green, also a few bright yellow leaves of Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

    What a day.

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    Well This Was A Surprise!

    October 27, 2026

    I went out this afternoon to put out more hulled sunflower seeds and some dried mealworms for the birds, and called to them as I always do. Often a few Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), or Chickadees (Poecile), will arrive at a tree close by. They’re the bravest of the birds and will often cautiously come within 10 or 15 feet of me to see what I’m up to.

    Today though I had a surprise when a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) joined in on the greeting party. I wasn’t anticipating the need for a camera. This picture is from just a couple years ago, to let you know what they look like.

    What a surprise!

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    Perhaps Here For The Winter

    October 26, 2026

    Sitting in a Flowering Dogwood tree (Cornus florida) surrounded by berries. An Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). Usually they spend the winter around the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and the southern states, including parts of Texas and Mexico, but not always.

    Over the years there have been some that decided to stay here rather than moving south. When they choose this option, they modify their eating habits, including berries and small fruits, rather than eating only insects.

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    Showing Off For Autumn

    October 25, 2026

    In golden yellow, Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), heralding in the end of the season. A tree that I don’t see at this elevation. But it seems to grow aplenty in the higher elevations. I love to see them no matter what the season. They remind me of Vermont.

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