In Transition

Late August, and Summer is fading into Fall as the season approaches the end of its cycle. Most of the Summer wildflowers have turned to husks or down, and the later season flowers are at their peak. Some Fall wildflowers, like Goldenrod, have started to appear, but the bulk of that flowering is yet to come. Even the berries seem to be winding down, although the wild grapes are just ripening.

Meanwhile, up on the upland meadow, the butterflies and grasshoppers are everywhere. And Wade is getting in another haying; he was out today gathering what he'd cut so far. The grass is very dry; since early July there's been little or no rain, and there's no rain in the 10-day forecast. Local farmers are worried, Wade included. Here's hoping!

Spotted Jewelweed in the Dykeman Spring wetland

Wild Grapes growing by the north duck pond

Some late Raspberries still hanging on by the north duck pond

Reflections on the north duck pond resemble a Monet painting

A Meadow Fritillary butterfly and a Halloween Beetle on Goldenrod in the upland meadow

A Clouded Sulphur butterfly on fading Red Clover in the upland meadow

Hay wagons in the upland meadow waiting to be filled

It's haying time on the meadow again!

© 2015 by A. Roy Hilbinger