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catbird
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« on: September 10, 2008, 02:54:43 PM » |
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I figured some of you might be waiting for this...  The autumnal equinox is not far away. Here in the north, signs of the change to autumn are showing up more and more each day. Potted mums in fall colors have appeared in all the garden centers. My north-side deck gets less and less sun each day--I can watch the shadow border moving out along the boards. The birds are getting restless; those who will stay the winter, including mourning doves and sparrows, are congregating in large flocks. The swallows are gone, and the squirrels are running around burying walnuts. Fall gives many opportunities for observation of changes in nature and beautiful photography. It is also seen, paradoxically, as a season both for new beginnings and reflection on the past. Are you seeing fall changes where you live? Do you have pictures to share? Thoughts on the season? Post them here! |
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catbird
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« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2008, 05:41:08 PM » |
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Where I work, we have a prairie restoration project. The prairie grasses have a fantastic variety of seed heads, and the goldenrod is in bloom. Here are some pictures I took today: prairie grasses  prairie goldenrod  a view of the prairie  |
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catbird
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« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2008, 05:44:27 PM » |
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And another sight that I associate with autumn: Today, right outside my door, I encountered this odd little stick insect:  He's about 2.5 inches long. At first, I actually thought he was a twig. His mimicry is remarkable! |
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« Last Edit: September 11, 2008, 05:46:39 PM by catbird »
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lesliek
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« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2008, 07:14:00 PM » |
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catbird- They are called walking sticks here. They are like praying mantis & eat the bad bugs. They will crawl right up your arm if you put your fingers down near them. Be careful taking them off,their legs are sticky,almost like little suction cups.We don't see them til the end of summer.
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"the world's most inept extortionist"
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catbird
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« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2008, 08:19:11 PM » |
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I hope he's eating mosquitoes!
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catwoods
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« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2008, 11:17:46 PM » |
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Beautiful photos, catbird. I can't really tell but the small lavender flowers look similar to a wildflower that blooms here in the fall, also amidst the goldenrod. Looks like a similar grass-scape to what we have, except that the blooming will be later -it's not out now. However, I have noted lately that there are red-violet berries on the Beautyberry shrubs, and that's a late summer thing.
We have those bugs here too and DH calls them "walking sticks".
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« Last Edit: November 27, 2008, 10:53:02 PM by catwoods »
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catbird
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« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2008, 07:00:04 AM » |
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The lavender flowers in the photo are the last blooms of the wild bergamot, which is at peak in August here. It smells very good, just like the bergamot/bee balm/Monarda that is grown in gardens, although the flowers are smaller.
There is a another purple flower that blooms later, an aster. I will try to see if I can get a picture of that. There are not very many of them in this prairie.
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purringfur
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« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2008, 07:22:09 AM » |
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What gorgeous photos! I love the first one!
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Buy local. Buy organic.
If you ate today, thank a farmer, hopefully a small, local farmer.
Remember the thousands & thousands of pets that died to give US a wake-up call about the safety of ALL food.
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tesla
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« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2008, 09:58:52 AM » |
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Awesome pictures, I can't wait to see more.
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trudy1
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« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2008, 05:22:22 PM » |
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Catbird, Those are just beautiful pictures. You are good.  |
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The Greatness Of A Nation And It's Moral Progress Can Be Judged By The Way It's Animals Are Treated-Gandhi
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pygmypets
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« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2008, 10:07:54 PM » |
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Beautiful photos..I can't wait to see your pics of fall leaves and the brilliant color of fall trees. thanks for sharing
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Arlo
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« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2008, 06:34:19 AM » |
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I am not the photographer others are, but these are my signs of autumn.
Pear tree, leaves changing color, apple tree.
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catbird
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« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2008, 06:45:50 AM » |
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Arlo, that lake looks like my mental picture of Walden Pond! and conveys similar feelings. With those apple and pear trees, the critters in your area must be very happy and well-fed.
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JJ
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« Reply #13 on: September 14, 2008, 11:59:05 PM » |
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Such great pics from all of you. Nice close ups with the background fade on yours Poco. What kind of camera did you use?
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May your troubles be less,
Your blessings be more,
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door
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catwoods
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« Reply #14 on: September 15, 2008, 12:03:37 AM » |
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Beautiful photos, everyone. I'll get around to posting autumn stuff one day but have been too tired lately.
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