Preparing for change

Although summer can seem to be one long season of sameness (especially August) things are changing all the time. Nestlings have fledged, flowers have come and gone and the days are gradually shortening.
But now the pace is beginning to quicken, the change to fall isn't that far away. Temperatures will drop and birds will migrate (some have started already). The tempo of life adjusts as preparations for the next season begin.
One of the most obvious changes in my yard is the activity at the hummingbird feeder. It is in constant use and each bird tries to defend it for herself (The males have left my yard). I have to fill it every day as the tiny creatures bulk up to prepare for their impressive journey to Central and South America. These thumb sized birds make the trip twice a year and it includes a 5-6 hundred mile leg over the Gulf of Mexico. Absolutely mind boggling.
Soon other migrants birds will appear for a day or two to rest and use the feeders. Mammals will be checking out the space under the porch and salamanders will be burrowing under the leaves. Finding shelter is a prime survival strategy.
The animals have had a good year. I see lots of offspring, but that will increase the competition for food and shelter. I'll do my part, but nature will make the final decisions.

Evening rewards

Last evening the cool dry air came in and it was just a delightful time to be outside. I grazed on the sungold tomatoes and picked some green beans, just enjoying the heck out of the garden.
While I was at the bean bed I noticed a chickadee in the dogwood about 10 feet away. He was flying to the strawberry towers next to the beans and picking bugs out from among the leaves.
Further down the back flower bed a male cardinal was perched on the tall phlox. He seemed to be going after bugs among the sunflowers and dill.
Then I saw a humming bird working around the red runner beans and checking out the underside of the cardinal, I guess because he is red!?
I kept going with the beans, they're producing at a tremendous rate right now. Then I saw the male cardinal chasing a grackle around the beds. He was clearly in pursuit, but I didn't know why.
I moved to the next bean bed (we always plant to many) and I could hear a rapid chip chip chip in the dogwood. A small brown bird that didn't look exactly familiar was raising a ruckus and hopping awkwardly around the branches. Suddenly (s)he made an equally awkward flight to the beans I was working at, it was less than three feet away. Then the male cardinal showed up, also making a racket. Then I recognized the first bird as a fledgling cardinal. The chipping was similar to the familiar sounds of the adult cardinals, just higher pitched and about twice the rate.
The adult herded the youngster into the neighbors burning bush and took up a vigil, obviously trying to keep the fledgling safe. I heard a lot of noise at one point and saw the neighbors cat under the burning bush. I chased the cat away, although the cardinal didn't appreciate my intrusion either.
As I continued working a round the garden I saw the adult cardinal hanging around for over 20 minutes. Later when I went back the area was quiet, I guess the adult got the fledgling to move to where ever it was he wanted him.
All in all I think this sums up why I love our yard and gardens.