This is late season with yellow and orange leaves, flowering composites, and developing fruits. I enjoy all the asters that emerge now, four of which are shown below. Smaller goldenrods, such as zig-zag goldenrod, appear along with coneflowers and sunflowers. Deptford pink adds a flash of color to trailside, and red and purple fruits like those of pokeweed and false Solomon’s seal appear – as well as strange fruits like those of wild cucumber. Some plants keep flowering as they have for months, including Queen Anne’s lace (See the dark red spot in the middle? A common myth is that Queen Anne of England pricked her finger while making lace, and a drop of blood fell on the lace.) Hops vines and their flowers are a nice find along the trail as a reminder that a large hops agriculture once existed in this area. Crush a flower to get the smell of an IPA.
Bird vocalization is less now, but birds are present, often flashing quickly through the trees. During the fall you can expect to find the three species shown below. Keep an eye out for recently released pheasants. The pond remains an attraction in fall, giving views of summer-resident green herons and a kingfisher.
This is the last nature update for Kirkland Trails for this year, but the trail remains an attractive and safe place to walk, run or bike. You might enjoy some time there. Best wishes and “winter well.”
