September 11th, continued.  Sumac (Rhus sp.) has begun to turn autumn colors.

 

Asters are starting to bloom.

 

Pondside Pyralid Moth (Munroessa icciusalis).  Larvae live protected in a case made of plant parts while feeding on aquatic plants.

 

September 14th.  Foggy morning on the marsh.

 

Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) through the fog.

 

Spiderwebs picked up the moisture in the air.

 

Normally present but unseen, webs were everywhere.

 

Wooly Adelgids have begun to cluster on Alders.  Their waxy coats serve as insulation and protection.

 

September 17th. A cloudy humid morning after rain last night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 18th.  Diverse colors in Sumac (Rhus sp.).

 

Red Maples (Acer rubrum) have started to turn.

 

Rose hips.

 

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

 

More Asters are blooming.

 

 

 

Climbing False Buckwheat (Polygonum scandens).

 

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is among the first leaves to show fall colors.

 

New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) seedheads.

 

Participants check in with sponsor Jo-Ann Connelly for today's annual "Pedal/Walk for a Cure for Ovarian Cancer."

 

September 19th. The trail by starlight shortly before 6:00 A.M. (10 second exposure.)

 

Another 10 second exposure.  There was much less light in reality.

 

First signs of dawn approaching.

 

Mist over the marsh before Wood Ducks begin flying in.

 

Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) land and call.

 

Shortly after 6:00 A.M. on a Sunday but already traffic on Route 85 nearly a half mile away has begun to dominate the natural sounds of the marsh.  Note the mist drifting by.

 

Bath time and a stretch for a Wood Duck.

 

Sun up and foliage takes on warm colors.

 

 

 

Climbing False Buckwheat (Polygonum scandens) seed pods.