Fall approaches on Crumbly Acres

Nature's grand. Our critters activities are winding down, for the most part. Eggs have hatched, babies are now nearly adults, or close enough.  

A little leopard frog hanging out by the goldfish pond.

This is the only large Monarch caterpillar I've seen so far. There is lots of evidence of them, here in my sheltered garden. Lots of caterpillar poopies. I wonder if they are coming out at night? 

The other one looks like a 3rd instar, it's getting close to getting into a cocoon. 

These caterpillars are going to turn into butterflies that fly south to Mexico. It's taken several generations to move on up the continent, a couple months at a time. Now they have to go back to their winter habitat in Mexico.

I've been busy sanding the back deck to prepare it for stain. The sun and precipitation are harsh on the wood. 

Since I'm bending over holding the sander, I took lots of breaks. I could hear the Broad-winged Hawk in the forest. Soon they will fly south.

I found a cicada as I was working. 

I placed it in the bushes.

A gray tree frog is sitting under the planter. 

Froggie is spending the day under the planter. It wasn't there this morning, as it is about 11 ℃ right now. This is a delightful goldfish plant that will have to come indoors today. 

The planters are in full bloom. 

The front garden is coming along. The hibiscus have begun to bloom. I had to tie them up!

Happy Friday. I'm going to finish my sanding. I'll have to check the 14-day temperatures again. Today we are expecting 28 ℃, a good day for out door chores. Soon I'll have to bring in the goldfish from outside.

See you tomorrow for Saturday's Critters!