October Nature Happenings

Migration

• As fall migration comes to a close and most of our summer visitors have departed, we see the arrival of our wintering friends: Sedge Wrens, Cedar Waxwings, White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
• Sparrows, towhees and juncos love millet in a ground feeder.
• The American Goldfinches from the northern states begin migration with many coming to our area for the winter.
• Waterfowl migration continues to build; lots of geese can be seen passing over at the end of the month.
• Look for scarce Rufous Hummingbirds to arrive throughout the state.

Other Bird Activity

• Bald Eagle nest building and maintenance begins.
• Great Horned Owl males begin hooting in nesting territory.
• This is the month to install and repair nest boxes for use next year. Many birds will use the boxes for roosting in the winter.

Other Flora and Fauna

• Monarch migration reaches its peak late in month, sometimes in uncountable numbers.
• Woodchucks feeding like crazy in preparation for hibernation
• Beaver very active in evenings while caching a winter supply of food
• Autumn brings the beauty of the Scarlet Fire Thorn.