I see signs of autumn everywhere. The leaves are turning color. The geese are more active. The hummingbirds and finches are having a daily feeding frenzy. The bees, butterflies and other garden insects are taking in all the food they can find.

The autumn perennials are in full bloom and the bees and butterflies are visiting them constantly. Every time I walk by them, it doesn't matter which ones, they are filled with insects.

I happened by the hops vine on my deck and noticed a stray branch growing through it from a shrub sprouting from under the deck. There were 11 caterpillars on the leaves! What fun it has been watching as nature prepares for fall. 

I came home today to find two spotted fawns in the backyard. The doe was still in the woods behind the yard. The young ones happened to venture into the yard while my 'deer sprinkler' was in the shed. I mowed the lawn and put it away, thinking that it wasn't needed anymore. It's been put back in the yard. I've still got vegies in the garden that I'm not willing to share with the deer just yet.

I visited the Biodiversity trail to see if the swan family was still around. I didn't see them but they could have been hiding in the reeds. I don't think the young ones are large enough to fly any great distance yet. I'll have to visit again this week to see if they are around.

If you've the opportunity to visit the trails or just wander in your backyard, watch for the signs of fall. There are things changing; big and small.