I think the Downy Woodpecker was the first bird species that I ever noticed as a young child. My grandparents had a feeder just outside their kitchen window and this little black and white beauty was a regular customer.

In his 1985 book Birds of Ontario, my grandfather, Dr. J. Murray Speirs wrote: If our feeder is empty our downy will tap on the window to bring this to our attention, while the female will fly past our face and then perch by the empty feeder, expostulating loudly.

We had a good look at a downy this morning.

Other birds:

The pond at Col. Sam Smith Park is almost dry due to the very low level of water in Lake Ontario at the moment:

Some botany:

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

I’m sure we’ve all noticed the brilliant leaf colours this year. Here is some info on that:

Ontario fall leaves: Experts explain why they’re so vibrant | CTV News

NATURE POETRY

The trample of robins and woodlarks on the brown leaves.
and the patter of squirrels on the green moss;
The fall of an acorn on the ground, the pattering of nuts on 
the hazel branches as they fall from ripeness.    – John Clare (1793–1864)

Miles Hearn