It's fig season

We can gauge the seasons of the year by the fig tree.

In the winter it is completely bare, its grey branches hanging down.

Then in the springtime gradually the branches sprout little green leaves.

Throughout the summer the leaves grow larger and tiny green fruit develop,

As you know from my posts this summer about the hummingbird nestlings, the fig tree also provides a safe haven for birds.

Now all of those green figs are ripening in our typical September heat.

At the same time the tree itself provides lots of shade.

It is at least 10 degrees cooler under the tree.

I love to stand under it, listening to the songs of different birds.

Here is our first fig harvest this year.