Wind and Snow in Walla Walla

Snow in the Blue Mountains, Walla Walla                             © Diane B. Reed

After a cold windy overnight, yesterday we woke up to our first snow on the Blue Mountains. Despite the fall colors lingering in the Valley, the snow signals the oncoming change of seasons. Unlike a lot of places, we get our wake up call from the Blues, letting us know that it's time to put the lawn furniture away, batten down the hatches, and stock up on books and wine for the coming winter. Fortunately, it's Fall Release weekend in Walla Walla, a perfect time to put away a few bottles of the Valley's best wines. (If you can't make it this weekend, don't miss Holiday Barrel Tasting December 2-4. Downtown is bustling with activity, lots of folks have come in for the weekend for wine tasting and some are catching the final performances of Marilyn, Forever Blonde at the Powerhouse Theater, our newest theater venue. 

Bennington Lake          © Diane B. Reed

 Even when things are bustling in town, it only takes a few minutes to get out in nature. Time to check for migrating birds at Bennington Lake and keep an eye out for activity on our own pond. The lake is dotted with migrating waterfowl, and the trees along the drive up to the lake are bustling with Dark-eyed Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows. Canada Geese circle in disorganized Vs, then land in a nearby field.

Sharp-shinned Hawk at the pond   © Diane B. Reed

The pond at Lions Park is remarkably quiet, we're awaiting the arrival of the  Widgeons who winter over at the pond. Now that the snow has brushed the mountains, we expect them any day now. The muskrat is sitting on a stump along the island catching the last rays of the afternoon sun. Although he doesn't hibernate in the true sense of the word, he spends a lot of time sleeping in his burrow. The Sharp-shinned hawk has come down off the Blues to his winter hangout at the pond, where he preys on birds at the local bird feeders, including ours. Although the feeders seem to make it easier for him to catch his prey, he still misses more often than not.