A male Meadowhawk (probably a Cherry-faced Meadowhawk, Sympetrum internum).

 

For me, Sympetrum dragonflies are a sign that summer is winding down. This one had a close call: note the bird nip taken from the right wings.

 

Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) or a close cousin.

 

There are still a few Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) blooming.

 

 

 

(Any doubt that these are peas?)

 

September 5th. Reflected clouds among Water Lilies.

 

 

 

Nodding Ladies'-tresses orchid (Spiranthes cernua).

 

 

 

Only two plants this year. In the past there were many more. I suspect sustained high water at the marsh outlet did them in.

 

Fertile frond of Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis).

 

 

 

September 6th. Pre-dawn walk by moonlight. (Long exposure.)

 

 

 

No clouds, so no dramatic sunrise.

 

Closed Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii).

 

 

 

Again, Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) or a close cousin. Flowers which have been pollinated have dark centers.

 

Sumac (Rhus sp.). It's a jungle out there, or so it may seem.

 

Climbing Hempweed (Mikania scandens).

 

 

 

Climbing False Buckwheat (Polygonum scandens).

 

 

 

September 14th. Foggy "fall" morning.

 

 

 

September 15th. A Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) at Cranberry Bog.

 

A lone Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) feeding on abundant Duckweed (Lemna minor) while Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) bask on a rock.

 

A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) struggling to hunt through the Duckweed cover.

 

September 17th. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema atrorubens) berries have matured.

 

Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) seed pods have matured. Note the pores at the top where seeds are released.

 

 

 

September 19th. Signs of Autumn: Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) berries are ripening.

 

September 20th. Thirtynine degrees before dawn. Mist rising from Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) passing through.

 

Some Red Maples (Acer rubrum) are starting to turn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Eastern Phoebe (Sayornin phoebe) was "hawking" insects in short flights from this perch.

 

 

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius).