I went back to my phenology spot first time in a while and it has changed a lot: it’s stick season now but there are some trees that haven’t shed their leaves completely- quite a few maples have their leaves on (even though they’re dry) and a bunch of buckthorns that have green leaves still!
One of the most common plants at this time of the year in Red Rocks park is the fern. There were a bunch of patches all over with lots of green ferns.
Compared to the first time and most recent time I visited the park I didn’t notice too much difference in wildlife, except there were much fewer birds and squirrels, and all the chipmunks have gone underneath for hibernation. I think I found a few signs of deer feeding on the tree bark and some holes in trees from woodpeckers .
The most favorite part of my phenology place is its location. Even though it’s not so far from campus it still felt like an adventure to take two different buses, walk through the park to get to my spot and just enjoy my time while exploring this place. As I was walking over to my spot I was just mentally acknowledging how lucky I am to be able to enjoy nature and everything it has to offer. I also felt very grateful for being able to study something I really enjoy, be able to get outside to do my work for this course, and just be surrounded by people who have similar interests. I will be definitely coming back to the Red Rocks park soon to walk the loops again 🙂