“Was that a goldfinch perching in the early September woods, or just the first turning leaf? A red-winged
blackbird or a sugar maple closing up shop for the winter? Keen-eyed as leopards, we stand still and squint hard, looking for signs of movement.”
The excerpt you provided seems to be a poetic description of observing nature in early September. The speaker is questioning whether they are seeing a goldfinch perching or the first turning leaf, and whether they are seeing a red-winged blackbird or a sugar maple closing up for the winter.
The speaker describes themselves as being keen-eyed like leopards, standing still and squinting hard, trying to spot any signs of movement. This suggests that they are actively engaged in observing their surroundings and trying to discern between different elements of nature.
Overall, this excerpt reflects the beauty and wonder of nature, as well as the speaker's curiosity and attentiveness in observing the changing world around them.