It was 60°F, overcast and calm at 2:45 PM on October 16, 2013.
Leaves had become noticeably more colorful since last week.
The birding hot spot today was again the Sedge Meadow Trail.
In two weeks, November 1, the grounds close for the season until April 1.
The Trails
Except for the temperature, it was looking like late fall in the front Old Hayfield.
Something was suddenly fluttering in my face. It wasn't a falling leaf but a rising butterfly - a common ringlet. I didn't expect any butterflies on such a cool a gray day so late in the season.
On the other side of the coin, I was surprised to see my first dark-eyed junco of the season.
In the Sedge Meadow, just to continue the trend, mayflies were dancing in the air. One took a breather on a rose cane and so allowed a good look.
Birds darting in and out from the bushes may have been enjoying them as well. Yellow-rumped and palm warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, and cedar waxwings were among the species milling about.
Yellow-rumped and palm warblers were in the corner by the Old Pump House and a norther flicker was up high in the back.
Gray days seem to bring out the color of foliage better than sunny days. One maple seemed fluorescent.
One lone spotted knapweed had been found by a bumble bee. The bee wasn't moving; perhaps it had even settled there the day before and was still waiting for things to warm up.
Along the lowest part of the Wappinger Creek Trail were some mushrooms growing out of an elm. They were rather distinctive. I remembered them from I think last year, maybe even the same tree.
At the Appendix (i.e., around Trail Marker 10) a different mushroom of similar form was on hemlock.
Another item recalled from past years was the view from the bench of a particular maple.
