Humans have recorded natural events since the beginning of time, from sunrise and sunset to the arrival of migratory birds and the ripening of various crops. Recording these natural events is known as phenology. Below is a list of the natural history events occurring in our area right now. You may use this as a guide to exploring Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and Neale Woods. Please note that the timing of events always depends upon weather and various environmental factors.

September

The refreshing fragrance of fall begins to descend into the forest. The newly fallen acorns are the objectives of both squirrels and turkeys. A few vines and trees may start their annual change of color. If we had a wet summer, look closely to find emerging fungus and the elusive Indian pipes amongst the leaf litter. If you gently tap a puffball mushroom, you will see a puff of spores - a favorite September ritual for many. It’s fun to see the “smoke” come out! The skies are full of migrating birds including warblers, raptors, pelicans and cormorants. Look closely for tiny hummingbirds on their way south. Waterfowl will begin congregating at the Great Marsh and at the end of September, snow geese move into various local sanctuaries. September is an exciting month to be on our trails!

October

Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods are now dressed in their finest fall fashions. If the weather is just right, our woods will change to deeper colors overnight. Typically however, our hills and valleys show a gentle, gradual change from the greens of summer to the beiges and yellows of fall. Vines, such as poison ivy and Virginia creeper, and the smooth sumac shrubs will dazzle us with their red leaves. The animals, from the deer and woodpeckers to the tiny mice, are gathering and stashing acorns and walnuts. Squirrels creatively bury acorns as the turkeys busily dig them up. Some snake species are going into hibernation for the long winter. The deer rut begins with the males and females both marking. The skies are full of migrating birds. At the end of the month, the nights are quiet without the late summer insects. Nighttime creates golden storms when the strong autumn winds blow yellow leaves to the ground. The trails are busy with all things preparing for the days to come.

November

On a quiet November walk, your eyes and ears will discover forest excitement. Chickadees defend their winter feeding areas and are joined by the titmice and white-breasted nuthatches. It is entertaining to watch these mixed flocks (or gangs) of winter birds along our upland trails and around the bird feeders. Together, the birds are better able to watch for predators and therefore increase their chances of surviving winter. Some say that we humans should model ourselves after these birds. Meanwhile with the advent of early winter, one can easily see which trees had summer squirrel activity as their leaf nests are revealed. The deer rut continues - some bucks even give up eating during this time of year as they focus on other activities. Watch the male turkeys circle around each other to decide who will be the ringleader of their winter gang. If you look carefully, you can also see raptors floating very high in the sky…it’s a great way to test your own eyesight! You will likely hear the honking of a few late geese journeying to areas where the waters don’t freeze. In the late afternoons, listen for Barred Owls – they don’t just call at night!

December

Now is the time of year to ‘read’ the stories found in mud or snow along our trails. See if you can identify the footprints of our forest’s residents. Additionally, the fox leaves his calling card alongside the raccoon’s signature. We can learn yesterday’s menus if we investigate the scat. If you look closely, you will see the evidence of critter activity at the bases of trees and shrubs. Chewed nuts and pods reveal that animals are switching to their winter diets. Juncos or snowbirds arrive from the north and are seen hopping under the feeders to scratch up seeds. They leave their tell-tale double prints in the snow and mud. Unbelievably, the fox squirrels start their courting chases along the bare tree branches. Look for Bald Eagles over open water – they are looking for a fishy lunch. All we need is a closer look to realize that the winter forest is a very busy place. Come out to see for yourselves!

NatureSearch

To learn more about what you may see and hear, please explore NatureSearch, our online guide to all living things in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods.