Although it's still only mid-August, there is a hint of autumn in the air. Autumn does arrive sooner at 8000 feet elevation. Some of the native vegetation is fading from green to an autumn palette of gold, rust, and brown. The hummingbirds have been especially active around the feeders getting ready for a long journey south where they spend the winter in Mexico. The nights have been cooler getting down to the low 40's F. Summer babies are making frequent appearances in our yard. These twin fawns (mule deer) and their mother come browsing through several times a week.Significant haze from wildfires west of us is in the air. I haven't been able to detect any smoky smell but the mountains look pale and gauzy.
