2017-10-01 Birds & Bloom

28 birdsandblooms.com OCTOBER (^) I NOVEMBER 2017
BIRD TALES
After the
first cold front
of the year, I headed to a
local lake for some birding.
Thanks to temperatures in
the mid-30s, overcast skies
and a brisk north wind,
the birds stayed sheltered
in the underbrush. But
finally, my patience paid
off. A mixed flock of
birds moved through the
shadows in front of me
toward a yaupon bush full
of red berries. I moved to
the far side of the bush
for better lighting, hoping
to photograph one of the
birds among the berries.
After several minutes, a
ruby-crowned kinglet gave
me my picture-perfect
moment. This was the
only good photo I was
able to get during the
entire outing!
Ron Newhouse
BRYAN, TEXAS
Take a trip
to University
of Guelph’s
arboretum
to see their
impressive plant
collection.
HOT
SPOT
One day, while hiking
at The Arboretum in Guelph, Ontario, I spotted
a flock of American robins chowing down on
sumac berries. Of course, I had to stop to take
several photos. Brenda Doherty ARISS, ONTARIO