September 28, 2016

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 60°F, cloudy and windy at 1:45 PM on September 28, 2016.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• A few trees were actually all in fall foliage, but mostly color was just beginning in patches.
• This cool, cloudy, windy day offered few butterflies.

The Trails

• Even the goldenrods were finishing blooming in the front Old Hayfield by Gifford House.
• Without the distraction of all that color, other features become more obvious - e.g., the goldenrod bunch gall, caused by the larva of a midge.
• The larva's secretions halt stem growth, but the leaves keep coming forming shelter for the larva.
• Color was creeping into the Sedge Meadow, touching the cinnamon fern and some shrubs farther in.
• In the back Old Hayfield, poison ivy was turning every color between yellow and red.
• A hickory tussock moth caterpillar was stretched out along a goldenrod leaf.
• In the back corner, one tree was looking fully decked out in orange.
• Along the edge, Japanese barberry leaves were catching up with its fruit in color.
• A surprise in the Old Pasture was two trees side by side in full color.
• This early, color was in a few leaves at a time...
• ..or in striking individuals, like this Virginia creeper.
• Rose hips provided an alternative source of color towards the back.
• On the other side of the trail, winterberry - usually growing in moist areas - was joining in.
• Finally wreath goldenrod on the Wappinger Creek Trail!
• There's been plenty of zigzag goldenrod. Compare the narrow, finely toothed leaves of the former to the oval, sharply toothed leaves of the latter of these two woodland dwellers.
• Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.