A nice day for a walk

Just a short walk down a path on a nice autumn day. This same path is now being used for cross-country skiing.

First I saw a white-throated sparrow perched on a branch.

A white-breasted nuthatch hiding food in an old woodpecker hole.

I almost stepped on a butterfly, but right before my foot crunched down I noticed him and of course 'snap, snap, snap'. But I was clueless what kind this little flutterer is. Finally, I dug out my butterfly book. I bought the Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America when I drove to Oshkosh in July to meet Marilyn, but I think of her every time I see it and I hadn't been able to look at it without thinking about the fact that she is no longer here. Damn cancer! I had a hard time making cards for a while too but have pushed through it and decided it was time to open up this book.

So, I have it narrowed down and am pretty sure that it's a Comma. I think it's a Green Comma, but it could be a Hoary or a Gray – I'm no expert, obviously.

When I got home I was happy to find my little shrew out and about. In fact, we have two living here now, one is darker than the other.

And the dark-eyed juncos came back!