wood ducks

Into the sunrise, as we transition to fall

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Somewhere in the distance the call of autumn can be heard. It’s faint and far-off right now, but it’s noticeable in small ways. There’s a change in the slant of the sun, and the air has a different smell. Some days dawn with warmth, and others have a cool chill – a sign of the seasonal change.

Even the call of the loons is different. It seems more lonely, especially as it rises above the steam coming off the lake. There will soon be a change in the migrating birds, both those coming and those leaving. The wood ducks have been sighted as they are passing through in their journey from north to south. The Canada geese have taught their young how to fly and soon, after their wings have strengthened significantly, they too will head south. With the rapidly decreasing daylight hours, the hummingbirds are active now in preparation for their departure. And the adult loons will soon be leaving, followed later by the juveniles.

There is a “weathered” color to the leaves now. The once-vibrant greens have faded, and we are starting to see hints of color. That symphony of color will only grow and crescendo in another four to six weeks. The steam will continue to rise off the lake in the mornings until the water temperature plummets below the air temperature.

It’s all a reminder to me of the passage of time, the preparation needed for the transition to winter, and the importance of appreciating each and every day and relishing the opportunity to embrace what is offered up to us.

In the quiet moments of spring

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I’ve been patiently waiting for the arrival of spring. It doesn’t come with fanfare or trumpets announcing its arrival. It comes gradually, and often in starts and stops. The ice went out on the lake awhile ago but the lake temperature is warming slowly. The grass is eventually becoming green – that “new” green that almost shines and glows in the sunlight. It’s the green that hasn’t yet been dried out with the heat of a summer sun.

The loons have returned to the lake and have joined the chorus of Canada geese, ducks, and even the swans and sandhill cranes. The welcome cacophony of calls often stops me in my tracks. The wood ducks are back too, floating by the shoreline, searching for that “perfect” house to lay their eggs and eventually raise their young.

And slowly the trees are getting their new-spring buds. There are a few oak leaves that cling to the branches – they’ve held on throughout last fall and winter and provide a clatter when the spring wind rustles through. But they’ll be replaced soon with a burst of new leaves that will provide the much-appreciated shade from the summer sun’s heat. Until then we watch the buds get bigger, soaking up warmer temperatures and sunshine.

Two nights ago I watched as the setting sun raked its shadow across the opposite shoreline. The golden light gradually diminished into dark, the winds stilled and the lake surface quieted to glass. And then a near-full moon rose above the trees and slowly spread its reflection in the calm lake, reminding me that spring has arrived. Get out and enjoy it – this “shortest” season we have.