A day after the first hard frost of the season, a flock of nomadic cedar waxwings appeared in the backyard. I counted more than 40. They filled their bellies with wild grapes and bittersweet berries.

More handsome than beautiful, waxwings always seem immaculately groomed. Only the distinctive crest disrupts the body's streamlined, aerodynamic form. Because they wander widely in search of fruits and berries, I may not see them again until spring.

The biggest disappointment of fall is that colors peak so quickly. Just as reds, yellows and oranges turn the hillsides into a patchwork of color, the wind blows and rain falls. A day later the show's over. Some year, I'd like the peak of fall colors to last for more than a day or two.

One reward for the season's rapid passage is the return of birds that will stay until spring. White-throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos now scratch up a storm under feeders in search of fallen seeds. The aptly named sparrow often sings during the fall and winter. Its high-pitched purely whistled, "Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody" is easily recognized.

Dark-eyed juncos -- snowbirds, as they're often called -- are among the easiest feeder birds to identify. Gray above, white below, and white outer tail feathers give them away.

Autumn also adds an eerie nocturnal voice to the woods. The low resonant hoots of great horned owls can raise gooseflesh on those unfamiliar with the sound, especially around Halloween. Listen for a series of three to seven simple hoots.

Great horned owls' autumnal conversations mark the early stages of courtship. By late January or early February, they'll be incubating a clutch of three round white eggs.

One of the most common and mysterious sounds of fall originates on the forest floor in broad daylight: "Chuck, chuck, chuck ... ." At first, it sounds turkey-like, and it may continue for minutes without a break. Look closer, on a rock, a stump or a log, and you'll find the singer: a chipmunk.

Fall's clear skies and cooler temperatures provide ideal conditions for walking and wildlife watching. Enjoy the season before the snow flies.

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