It's that time of year in central Missouri. Black walnuts are falling to the ground and, this year, they are especially plentiful. The impact of the walnuts as they strike fences, roofs, decks and driveways produces a significant "thud" and I suspect an unwary human might be bruised (or worse) if struck.
Of course, our gray and fox squirrels have been gnawing at their shells for the past week or so, leaving piles of the outer pulp drying in the sun. The sound and smell of their activity are welcome signs of the season.
There are still plenty of walnuts in the large trees that line our backyard but we'll leave them for the wildlife. Kicking them off the lawn or walkways is exercise enough.
