September 17

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 48 degrees and no wind. I walked down the hill and was pleased to see a Great Blue Heron rise silently from Mallard Marsh and fly south toward Grebe Pond. I passed the marsh and was surprised to see a large patch of yellow flowers of Nodding Bur-Marigold. Its name comes from tendency of mature flowers to droop, the clinging nature of the seeds and the superficial resemblance of the flowers to marigold. Its other common names include: Sticktights and Beggar's Ticks. Walking through a stand of these plants in late summer results in numerous barbed seeds sticking to your clothes.  Also, I noticed that mixed in this patch of Nodding Bur-Marigolds were a few close relatives, called Tickseed Sunflowers. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I gazed at bright yellow fields as the densely growing Goldenrod plants were in full bloom. Also, I noticed that some of the Panicle Aster plants were showing their white daisy-like blossoms. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed south toward Willow Wallow. To my right was a patch of Bushy Asters with their pale lavender flowers. To my left was a patch of New England Aster with their striking, deep purple flowers. Crossing the footbridge, I noticed lots of Woolgrass with its fluffy, reddish brown tops. The common name of this plant is misleading because it isn't a member of the Grass family. Instead, it is a member of the Sedge family. To make matters even more confusing, they are collectively referred to as 'Bulrushes,' even though they are not members of the Rush family. Next, I turned west, passed the pond and was surprised to see two, orange and black Viceroy butterflies sitting close to each other on a Goldenrod flower waiting for the sun to warm them up. A few steps further, I was again surprised to see a small Garter Snake curled up on top of a Goldenrod flower about two feet off the ground. Continuing my hike, I saw some dainty Small White Asters along the west side. I passed Artist Overlook and continued along the south trail where I observed a patch of dense, white flowers of Heath Aster. Turning north at Frog Fen, I climbed to the top of Reflection Hill where I spotted six ducks of unknown species swimming on the east shore of Grebe Pond. Also, I observed a few Tree Swallows swooping over the water to catch insects. I walked down the hill, crossed the footbridge and came to the Classroom Building where I was surprised to see a large Cooper’s hawk perched on the wigwam, staring at me. As I headed toward the van, it took off and flew behind the barn. Finally, I got in the van and headed for home.

When the goldenrod is yellow,


And leaves are turning brown 


Reluctantly the summer goes


In a cloud of thistledown.

When squirrels are harvesting


And birds in flight appear 


By these autumn signs we know


September days are here.

Beverly Ashour