Bike Ride on a Fall Afternoon

Last Friday Mr. B and I had the desire to get outside and enjoy the slightly cooler weather. He decided on a bike ride and it turned out to be the perfect thing to do together. Sometimes it is hard to find common activities that my teen and I can share but so far bike riding is still on the list.

We chose a mostly flat route along the American River, starting out with not another bike in sight. The photo above shows what the trail looks like as it meanders through the oaks near the river. This time of year the weeds are all dry and brown but the sun on the oak leaves is a fragrance that always reminds me of summer.



We came across a flock of wild turkeys and stopped to watch them scratch around at the edge of the pavement. You can't tell very well in this image but they have blue heads. Their feathers are sort of glossy and they walk with a funny strutting sort of movement. It is always fun to find some interesting nature study subjects when we are out enjoying the day together.



We looped around at the Natomas Dam after checking for salmon (none), and then we were right alongside the river for quite a way. We stopped to admire the water and the trees. As we stood there, the rowing team from Sacramento State University rowed up the river in their skinny long boats. They were moving pretty fast and Mr.B said he wouldn't mind being on the rowing team. Hmmmm.



We were out riding for about ninety minutes and then we met my oldest son for dinner. It was a wonderful way to spend a September afternoon and evening. I love the homeschooling lifestyle.

Fiery Skipper in the Flower Garden and a Few Turkeys

Fiery Skippers in the garden are pretty common this time of the year.



Just as ordinary to our autumn season are the turkeys that wander onto my dad's property everyday as they make their rounds. Even though they are not my favorite bird, I have come to recognize their beauty.....and also their silliness.



They think if they hold still I can't see them. They will be as still as statues until some signal goes through the flock and they trot off for cover.



There they go making their little gobbling sounds. Silly turkeys.

Enjoying our gorgeous weather.....perhaps a hike later today.

Barb-Harmony Art Mom

Just a Silly Turkey Kind of Day

These turkeys were waddling across the road this morning. I personally don't think turkeys are very smart. Many times they wander down the road in front of the car instead of trying to get off the road to safety. This little flock was not moving very fast but they did at least make way for the car to go by.

They make a silly sort of noise as they walk. Did you know that turkeys sit in trees? Sometimes a whole flock will be in a tree and you won't notice until they get spooked and they all sort of fall to the ground and waddle away.

I also think that these turkeys are not very handsome birds. Interesting but not much to look at.

The Handbook of Nature Study has a section on wild turkeys starting on page 138.

Barb-Harmony Art Mom