"A number of years ago, we planted a witch hazel shrub nest to our bird feeders.  In Fall the leaves turn vibrant gold and shortly thereafter the delicate, spidery flowers emerge.  It's at this time (usually around mid October) that migrating white-crowned sparrows pass through-- their immaculate crowns flashing like beacons. These visits are all too breif and before long the leaves of the witch hazel fall to the ground, but the flowers linger on into the advancing winter-- like a whispered reminder of Autumn's glory."