September 7th. Still morning with really low cloud...

 

...and hazy sun.

 

The Nodding Ladies-tresses Orchids (Spiranthes cernua) sagain; this time without flash.

 

September 13th.

 

 

 

September 15th. Sumac (Rhus sp.) and Goldenrod (Solidago sp.).

 

Sumac is among the first plants to show fall colors.

 

Goldenrod stands out in the warm afternoon light.

 

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana clausa).

 

Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides).

 

New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii).

 

A Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) tends Woolly Alder Aphids (Paraprociphilus tessellatus). These aphids congregate in the fall for mutual protection from the cold, insulated by white fibers of wax extruded from pores on their bodies.

 

September 16th. Forty degrees and fog over the marsh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 18th. Is that a hawk far across the marsh?

 

Nope, it's an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) with what looks like a bass in its talons.

 

Heading off for a more private place to eat its breakfast. (Sorry for the poor quality of these photos, but it was very far away.)

 

September 22nd. Summer's end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poison Ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) looks good in fall colors.

 

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is among the first plants to turn red.