I spotted this red-tailed hawk as it took up a surveillance post above the river in our backyard. I suspect it is a male which are somewhat smaller than the females. Unsurprisingly, the squirrel and chipmunk activity in the yard came to an abrupt halt when it arrived. One look at those talons and you know this bird means business, although I have yet to see one actually catch something.

The combination of wind and rain we are experiencing today is bringing down much of the remaining leaves in droves. It is feeling very much like the end of autumn and time to order more bamboo plywood for the winter projects I have planned: a desk, drawers, and bookshelf for Jeanine’s office, and a new bed with nightstands and shelving for our bedroom.