Nature Notes

We have noted many shifts in the past few days and few weeks. Fall is definitely ready to come onto center stage.

The Sun rises and sets further South on the Horizon, although still not due East or West. That will come very soon with the Fall Equinox. Days are noticeably shorter. The Temperature underneath is cooler.

While very vocal earlier, Birds are largely silent these days. We see brandnew Monarchs who are readying themselves for their own journeys South.

However, Insects have turned up their volume. It must be their time to shine. The Crickets and Katydids (with occasional Cicadas) produce a rhythmic, almost tiny bell like sound. Multiply that times 100s and 1000s. They seem to sing 24/7 and they are loud. Their combined symphony reminds me of the beautiful Jingle Dress Dancing we would see and hear at Pow-Wows on the Northern Plains.

I awoke this morning about 4:30 a.m. and checked the Stars, which is my custom. Sure enough, Orion was making his presence known on the Horizon. Orion is our constellation companion during the Winter Months. We know what that means. While it is a comfort to see him, I could feel a chill. Where are my Fall and Winter Clothes?