LATE SUMMER BATH - A Tufted Titmouse stirs up water in the bird bath. Late Summer and early fall mark the end of the annual molt, where birds shed old feathers and grow fresh ones. Regular bathing helps them clean and align the new feathers.

ABUNDANCE - A male Northern Cardinal uses his thick, cone-shaped beak, powered by robust jaw muscles, to crack and shell black oil sunflower seeds in the feeder. This Cardinal has already started his Fall molt.

FALL ON THE BEAVER POND - Some trees along the edge of the beaver pond have started to drop leaves.

AND SO IT BEGINS - Swamp Maples have turned bright red in the lowland along the Wapack Trail.

