The Mockingbird Hill Cottage Rest Stop remains open 24/7. Yesterday, our visitors were bluebirds heading south.

There were probably about 6 or 7 of them. By the time I saw them, these two sweeties were hogging the birdbath. Don and I stood at the windows, entranced by the whole thing. How do they see this birdbath from way up there in the sky? I don’t know, but they do. We are so honored that they stop off for a drink and a quick bath; migrating is tiring.

I never see bluebirds around here except toward the end of winter. They gather in the bushes outside the kitchen window as they migrate north. And now, for the first time, in the birdbath as they migrate south.

I saw a few robins taking baths this morning. I imagine they’re heading south as well.

I’ll miss you, my beauties. Feel free to use the rest stop again in a few months.

I’m this close to finishing A Stranger in the House  by Jane Casey. As always with Casey, it is a riveting, extremely well plotted police procedural/mystery. I have never been disappointed in one of her books as she’s an excellent writer. Anyway, I had to force myself to stop in order to make a second cup of coffee and write this post. Delayed satisfaction.

I raked a bit yesterday. We rake the leaves onto a tarp, gather the ends together, and make a pile of leaves near the shed. They’ll decompose during the winter. The leaves on the garden beds stay. And the leaves in the back forty generally stay as well. The big catalpa has yet to lose all its leaves – that will be another big job.

Don’s going to rake today. He was tied up yesterday trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with his car.

I’ve straightened up the office/studio – I did a big cleanup on Sunday. I want to start in on the Beacon Hill soon and I need things to be organized before I do that. I will gently remind Don to CLEAN UP HIS DESK this morning.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Yesterday, around 10 am, there were tons of birds near and around our birdbath. Sparrows, probably about 40 of them, at least two Northern Flickers, some bluejays, and Northern Mockingbirds. They were everywhere, often sharing space on the rim of the birdbath, bathing, drinking, on the ground eating. It was amazing.

Clearly, they were migrating and decided – seemingly en masse – to visit this particular rest stop. It was extraordinary half hour or so. And then, in a second, they were gone. How fortunate we were to witness this. It took me a while to grab the camera so I missed out on some great shots.

Northern Flicker.

Northern Flicker and two Northern Mockingbirds (appropriate, don’t you think?)

And a local.

I’m going to keep this brief as I can’t really think of anything but Hurricane Milton, my sister and her family, and everyone in its path. This is terrifying.

Prayers for everyone in its path.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.