Fall is my favorite season!
But it hasn’t always held first place in the rankings. When I was little, I resented fall a bit because it meant saying goodbye to the lazy days of summer filled with swimming pools and popsicles and kick-the-can at our dead end street. Then, as a contemplative young adult, fall always carried with it a sense of melancholy, perhaps because the daylight hours diminished and changes happened around me whether I wanted them to or not. But now that I am older (okay, just make that old!) fall has become my favorite season, reminding me not that change is inevitable, but that it is always possible and often beautiful! It is encouraging to know that I can keep growing and learning and becoming a better me.

But, beyond the philosophical, fall is my favorite because it is a beautiful season that is filled with uncommon birds that stop by the backyard as they are migrating. I’ve already shared several, but here are a few more that recently paid a visit.

This Red-eyed Vireo showed up in search of some food to fuel his journey. I’m not sure if he found any caterpillars, which are said to be their favorite cuisine, but there should have been plenty of bugs to dine upon.

Several Chestnut-side Warblers have been darting about as well, like this immature one below, that almost looks fluorescent in certain lighting …

…and this adult that has the telltale patch of chestnut color on his side.

An Eastern Wood Peewee has been camping out on a branch that hangs near the fountain, swooping down to snare insects…

…and a Palm Warbler dropped in for a quick drink of water.

A Black-throated Green Warbler also paid a brief visit, darting in and out of the overhead leaves, probably laughing at me as I tried to get a clear shot of him. Not only does he blend in nicely with the foliage, but he is super fast!

Amazing beauty, uncommon birds, oh – and fantasy football too! (Team Birdnerd is currently undefeated, in case you were curious – though I fear it has more to do with lucky breaks than skillful play!) Still, fall is definitely my favorite season!