WE WENT FOR A RIDE IN THE SIDE BY SIDE YESTERDAY.

And we had a gorgeous day.  We wandered along enjoying the approaching fall conditions and saw a couple of grouse up close.  They didn't stick around for photos but they were nice to see.  The highlight of the day was the numerous flocks of Sandhill Cranes that flew over us on their way to their winter abodes.  It would appear that part of our life is over since we can't follow them south any more.  Warning Spider in the second image!

I captured this backlit Zinnia in our garden yesterday morning.

Also backlit in our garden.

Autumn reflections in a pond.

A large flock of Sandhill Cranes circling and climbing higher searching for favorable wind conditions.  You can see the white on the ones that are headed north while the ones headed south show up dark due to the angle of the sun.

It was an amazing experience.  There was a continuous stream of flocks and we could hear their eerie cries of encouragement to each other.

Two flocks here, one way higher than the other.

These are Common Snipes. First time I've seen them in my riding area.