Signs of autumn

We are in full autumn regalia now. Every turn in the road or stretch of trail reveals signs of the season. The chilly fall air is refreshing, as sheets of leaves rain down from above and swirl around in all directions. The faint smell of wood smoke is evident as a neighbor fires up his stove for the first time. The battle of leaf raking begins, and massive piles of leaves are moved to compost piles or bagged up and placed around foundations to provide insulation from the winter to come. The quintessential “fruits” of the season, apples and pumpkins, are coveted, the last bits of hay and corn are brought to the barn and harvest festivals abound.Farther down the trail, nature is busy too. Squirrels and chipmunks are gathering nuts and seeds and stashing them in secret hideaways for later indulgence. A lone garter snake is spotted soaking in the last rays of sun before finding a safe and warm spot to hibernate for the winter. Ponds are like runways, with groups of Canada geese landing and taking off almost incessantly in their identifiable V-shaped formation, with their leader honking enthusiastically.Trees and shrubs are filled with flocks of birds taking advantage of fall berries. Birds like American robins or cedar waxwings that would typically eat worms or insects have switched over to nutrient-rich berries and can be seen in big numbers systematically moving from tree to tree as the food source becomes depleted. Bird migration is also still very evident and exemplifies the importance of our forests as migratory rest stops. Warblers, particularly yellow-rumps, can be seen in large numbers stopping to refuel on the journey south. Our winter birds are also returning. The familiar Old Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody song of the white-throated sparrow can now be heard and pine siskins have once again been seen at local feeders.With all this activity and excitement, how can you resist getting outside to enjoy what nature has to offer this fall? It is one of the best times of year to go for a walk; plenty of things to see, cool and mosquito-free. Enjoy! Scott Heth is the director of Audubon Sharon and can be reached at sheth@audubon.org, (subject line: Nature Notes).