I have this theory based on what I have observed over the years having to do with the behavior of woodpeckers in my area. During the Summer, it is rare that I will see them, but come Fall, they seem to be out and about hunting for food. This afternoon, I noticed 2 of them. One in my yard and another just down the street while I was taking a walk.
I realize that we are just hitting mid August, but there have been many signs that are pointing to an early Fall here this year. Our neighbor's burning bush started to get tipped in red in July and now, here in mid August, some of the leaves are totally red. I've even noticed the leaves turning on some of the trees lately. Our nights, for the most part, have been really cool, down into the upper 30's at times but averaging in the mid to high 40's. This is not normal for our area at all. I am just praying that our tomatoes will ripen and we will get some more squash before too much longer.
Animals sense changes in weather far sooner than we do and start to prepare. Woodpeckers are kind of barometers for me. When they arrive, I know that Fall is not far behind. This has been a very strange year weather wise for us with an earlier than normal Summer combined with really cool nights so I guess it does make sense that Fall will be early too.
Embarking on and embracing this next chapter of my life where I start the great adventure of becoming a grandmother.
Very interesting, Debbie! It's been unseasonably hot here, so I'm hoping you are right. Spotted a woolly worm yesterday and it had just a narrow band of orange which signifies a hard winter. Never tested this theory to see if it's true. I hope not!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jane
Jane, I will be really interested to see if that woolly worm is indeed right.
DeleteIt has been very hot here, but now we are cooling a bit. I have noticed that the hummingbirds are drinking a ton! I have wondered the same thing about an early fall.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, do hummingbirds drink more with Fall coming or do you think the poor little things are just thirsty with all the heat?
DeleteThey do drink in abundance when fall is near. They gear up for a long flight to South America. That just absolutely amazes me - because they say you get the same birds year after year.
DeleteMine always seem to know exactly where the feeders should be if I don't have them out in time in the spring. AMAZING
I had no idea they migrated down to South America. That really is amazing. Thanks for sharing that with me. :)
DeleteI've been wondering about practically the same thing! Leaves have been turning color and FALLING here. It's only August! Usually the leaves start to change the last week of September. I've been wondering if that's a sign it's going to be an extreme winter, and then I just saw on FaceBook today that Farmer's Almanac IS predicting an extreme winter. I guess we'll see won't we?
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well Debbie! :-)
HI Jessica, I just saw that too. I looked it up and saw that we are in for a long and wet Winter here. That may also explain why I feel the need to stock up on things now and make sure I have all that I need so I can limit trips to the grocery store. I tend to hibernate when the weather is bad.
DeleteIt's amazing how the signs of a change in the seasons are all there in nature, if one only knows what to look for and how to read them, isn't it? Well, you'll find out if your theory is correct sooner or later, when fall arrives! I hope it won't be before your garden finishes producing, though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bless! I am very curious to test my theory. ;) If the tomatoes don't all ripen before then I will pick them green and they will ripen slowly in the house. I may also make some friend green tomatoes. ;)
DeleteYeah. I hope fall is around the corner down here too.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I'm sure that Fall will be very welcome in your part of the country. Goodness you need a break from all that heat!
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