Autumn wildlife

A couple of times recently, we have spied a possum wandering across Berry Road when we were coming home after dark. He (or she) was in the same place both times, and I assume it is part of her (or his) regular nighttime prowl. We don't see them near the house except in the winter when the bitter cold and snow cover force them up to pick around the bottom of the bird feeder. Last year we had a couple who showed up together a few times. Don't know if this is one of those or not.

We are in the middle of wild turkey hunting season up here now, and maybe that is why I am seeing more turkeys in the backyard. They fascinate the cats, who cannot decide whether to be terrified of them or to chase them. Given the size difference, I imagine a turkey could take out Sundance or Cassidy in a showdown, but fortunately they are skittish and run or fly away quickly.

The deer are more visible now, too. Partly because it is rutting season, partly because I am driving home around sundown when they are more likely to be wandering across the road anyway. The sad sight of dead ones hit by cars and lying alongside the road is back, too.

Otherwise -- flocks of geese, cranes on the prowl, bluebirds and all that jazz.