“There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.”
– Nathaniel Hawthorne
A golden-orange hue color brightens the landscape, but the shortness of the days makes thoughts of winter unavoidable. Cedar Waxwings and Robins devour Mountain Ash berries, and harbingers of winter.. the Juncos, are everywhere! Nuthatch and chickadees are stocking up with many trips to the bird feeder. An active hunting fox keeps the chipmunks up in the tree branches.
A warm September has created some native plant surprises: The fall blooming Wide-leafed Asters are finished, but fresh new cone flowers, hyssop, bee balm, spiderwort, goldenrod, and even a dianthesis (not native) sport fresh new blooms. Also despite heavy wind off the lake the colors of fall have been extended as they reach full vibrancy.
The big lake moderates the fall freeze, and some flowers could bloom for a another month.
http://www.startribune.com/local/228250501.html Saving the trees of the north woods
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