Although summer does not officially end until the third week in September, here on the sunny St. Lawrence Seaway we are already enjoying the early manifestations of the change of seasons.
The nights are a little bit cooler, the morning air is crisp and clean. The stifling heat of summer is gently dissipating to the south. I welcome the end of summer and find this a good time to enjoy peaceful evenings out on the deck overlooking the river.
When I was in the Navy, I moved from place to place so often I did not get to enjoy the nuances of the end of summer. Now that I am retired with an empty nest, I have the time to take in all of what Mother Nature has to offer, right here, from my perch on the St. Lawerence River.
1. Hummingbird Behavior
Basking in a pared-down peaceful lifestyle my husband and I have ample time to watch the quirky social interactions of our hummingbird community. These tiny birds provide lots of entertainment!
In the evenings we like to sit outside, sip some wine and watch the hummingbird wars. 🍷
It seems their young have fledged and they appear to be fighting over the food, rather aggressively, I might add.
They remind me of miniature harrier jets, hovering by the feeder, ready to attack. Hummingbirds are the only type of bird with the ability to fly backwards.
Fun fact: A flock of hummingbirds can be referred to as a bouquet, a glittering, a hover, a shimmer, or a tune.
As the days get cooler the territorial behavior becomes more pronounced. Hummingbirds need all the extra nutrition for their annual migration to the far south.
2. Astounding Sunsets
My husband and I have an amazing view of the sunset over the St. Lawrence River. This is a blessing we will never take for granted.
I can practically tell you the exact day of the year it is, just by looking at the sunset!
I know it is August 15, when the Sun is positioned in the exact center of the Maitland industrial complex, which is across the river from us.
The summer solstice is marked by the sun appearing just over the train depot, to right of Maitland.
Summer’s end is marked by the sunsets appearing to the left of the complex.
3. Young Skunks
If you are noticing little holes in your yard like we are, you probably have a skunk!
Skunks are mainly nocturnal, solitary animals. By the end of summer, young skunks have left their nests and are out foraging at night on their own.
Incidentally, we saw our first end of summer skunk just last night!
So there you have it – three fun aspects of the end of summer right here in my own backyard! Happy peaceful living to all!
Thank you for reading! – Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)
Feel free to reblog anything I post. I welcome all comments and discussion.
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The River Blogger 
I like the area you portray. What would be your idea for a road trip north along the St.Lawrence River?
Funny you should ask this. I think about this all the time. Circumstances have always been in the way of doing a full road trip, and Covid made it impossible. But here’s my suggestion: I would start with the thousand islands region on the New York side, visiting Clayton (boat museum), Alexandria Bay (Uncle Sam boat rides) and Ogdensburg (Frederick Remington Museum). Then head north, which is actually down river, to the Eisenhower Lock to see large cargo ships navigate the seaway up close. We have yet to get to Montreal, Quebec City and beyond to the Bay of St. Lawrence. But trust me, this is on my bucket list! Of course, this would all be completed during the summertime! Thank you for asking, and happy travels to you!
Thank you very much.
I’m might book such a trip next year. Thank you.
Fall looks pretty nice on the St.Lawence 😊 Maggie
I love how you incorporate Loki in just about every post.
Thanks again for an awesome blog!
Thank you! I try to sneak Loki and a wine glass emoji in most of my posts! 🍁🐾❤️
Your pictures are awesome, I especially love the sunset. I live in the dessert so the change of seasons is not as noticeable, but, I am starting to see the change in the colors of the leaves, I love fall my favorite time of year. A navy career thanks for your service. Great post xo
Thank you Masha! 🇺🇸 We definitely get the four seasons here, and probably a little too much winter! But spring, summer and fall are perfect. I am a fall person, too! 🍁🍂🍁
How lucky to have such a view of the sunset from the comfort of your deck. Living next to a river must be an amazing experience.
Thank you, we are very lucky! It’s funny, we live in the USA, but all we see is Canada, across the river. I really love it here. 🍁🦋🍁
Having quick access to Canada is a bonus! You could always swim through that river if you had to.
Once again great read and beautiful pictures! Thanks for always having a bright spot for enjoying what we have!
Thank you, Karen! 😘
Hello there. Beautiful sunsets, and changing leaf colors, are hard to beat. They are examples of the natural world at its finest. Take care. Neil S.
Thank you, Neil! It’s beautiful, for sure! 🍁🍂🍁
Loved your post. Especially how you can tell when you are in the year by sunset. I used to be able to do that when I lived on the coast.
Thank you, Lou! I did not mention it, but for most of December, because of the tall evergreen trees to the south side of our home, we barely see the sun at all!
Awesome pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! 🍁
I love your musing about your happy life and the nature around you!
Joanna
Thank you, Joanna! 🍂