El Predator Grande

Dunlins nest in the arctic tundra of Canada and Alaska. They migrate to the Pacific coast of Washington and points farther south in the fall. Many flocks of these diminutive sandpipers can be found on Washington beaches now (October 2011).

The port of Astoria, Oregon, is home to a venerable fishing fleet.

California Sea Lion cows and a pup (on right) bask in late afternoon sun on a recent October afternoon in Astoria, Oregon.

Ducks and geese take a migratory break on Greenhead Slough about five miles inland from Long Beach, Washington. There is a new nip in the air now in early October as the days become shorter and autumn rains begin in Pacific County, Washington. But without winter's dark days, we'd not appreciate next spring's sunshine. The cycles of nature are instructive and should be a source of peace for men.