"That November whose name sounds so bleak and cheerless — perhaps its harvest of thought is worth more than all the other crops of the year.” — Henry David Thoreau
A Bird’s Eye View Of This Area..
Here is a quick sketch of my location, with a few prevalent species included.
My Own Experience
Back at the banks of the Winooski River! Except this time, we are slowing down and taking it all in, as this assignment challenged me to really experience my phenology location for 15 minutes. As I sat on the rocky riverbank, I tried to close my eyes and just feel… but then I started to think to myself “wow, I am really cold right now!”. The wind roared through the treetops, sending the few remaining leaves flying through the air. It finally struck me that winter is nearly upon us and golden autumn days are slipping away. I watched the meandering water flow through the river and realized that I chose this spot in September, back when the air still felt warm, the leaves were vibrantly green, and the sun set late in the evening. This time gave me the chance to reflect on change; the phenological changes and also the changes in the seasons of my own life.
A Season of Change
Things are certainly changing over at Winooski River at this time of year! The forest…. well, it is looking a little barren and leaf-less (ha get it, like ‘lifeless’ but leafless wow that was so funny) The boxelder and maple trees have shed almost all of their leaves by now. The panicle aster and tall golden rod are no longer blooming. The grasses along the river have started to brown as well. But hey! it looks like we have a little racoon friend from the picture right there! I wonder if this little guy is preparing for the winter as well. Everything in the forest seems to be turning in and winding down in (I should get to that too!)
