It isn’t very noticeable, but you can feel a little bit of Fall in the air.  There is a crispness in the morning and the shadows are getting longer.  With the small change, the quail have returned!  I have missed them while they were gone and am happy to welcome them back.  I love listening to them talk to each other and call out their warnings.

I woke up to this guy chattering away.  I grabbed my camera and headed out to see how close I could get.  I didn’t have high hopes because they are very wary and oh so quick.

Luck was on my side!  He would duck down behind the rock and I would quietly sneak up.

At this point I thought I was busted, but he stayed!

He had a little friend in the pile of rocks and they finally flew off together.

Along with the quail, we had a little shore bird visiting what is left of the pond.

It was digging and scooping little morsels out of the mud.

I am sad to see the days getting shorter, but the lighting has been absolutely lovely in the evenings.