PEEC: Pocono Environmental Education Center

Autumnal Equinox

Natural Events:
September:

The beginning of September marks that beginning of the southward migration of Warblers, Vireos, Thrushes, and other songbirds to Mexico, Central America, and South America and Caribbean Islands.
Keep your eyes glued to the skies, unless you driving or mowing your lawn or something along those lines! It’s the annual Autumn Migration of Raptors. This is the peak season to view thousands of Broad-winged Hawks as they head south for the winter.
Also watch for the migration of monarch butterflies as they begin the long trek to Mexico. These insects may cover up to 80 miles per day traveling at speeds from 10 to 30 miles per hour as they float on the breezes.
By the end of September the fall wildflowers have started to bloom. Beautiful yellows, pinks, whites, golds, and purples sprout from plants such as Asters, Goldenrods, Witch Hazel, Sunflowers and Daisies, dazzling our senses of sight and smell.

October:

The high fat and carbohydrate concentrations of berries and nuts leads to competition between animals for winter migration and hibernation during the fall months.
By the second week of October trees are in their peak autumn foliage! Many trees have adapted to winter by dropping their leaves. Cooler temperatures and shorter days make the green chlorophyll disappear allowing for bright pigments to emerge.
Snakes, Turtles, Frogs and Salamanders sound their retreat during the month of October. Retreating to underground dens, these animals have adapted to the cold of winter by entering a state of dormancy or suspended animation during the coldest months of the year.
At the end of October over 30 species of waterfowl begin to migrate south. Listen and look for Canada Geese flying in their “V” formation, which is used to decrease wind resistance for the entire flock.

November:

The beginning of November brings with it the migration of larger raptors. Keep your eyes peeled for Northern Harriers, Goshawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered hawks, and Turkey Vultures.
Recycle, recycle, recycle!! After the fall leaves have fallen billions of micro organisms, earthworms, sow bugs and millipedes return elements back to the soil via their poop as they feed on the fallen leaves.
During third week of November the official state animal of Pennsylvania breeds. The white tailed mates and then after 200 days of gestation, twins are born in May or June.

The last week of November we begin to see birds from Canada begin to migrate to our area to over winter. Look for Purple Finches, Evening Grosbeaks as well as Fox and Tree Sparrows at your feeders.

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Celestial Events
September:
Capricornus, other wise know as the sea goat is one of the thirteen Zodiac signs. This half goat half fish constellation can best be seen during the month of September around 9.00pm.

Cygnus is known as both The Swan and the Northern Cross. The Swan is said to be flying south and can be seen best during the month of September around 9.00pm just as many birds begin their southern migration south.

October:
Aquarius is an astrological sign in the Zodiac which means The Water Bearer. In many cultures the dim constellation is associated with water because the sun enters Aquarius just as the rainy season approaches. The best time to see The Water Bearer is in the southern sky around 9.00pm in October.

Pegasus means The Winged Horse and appears to be grazing. Pegasus can be seen best in the southern sky at 9.00pm on cool October nights.

November:
The English Translation of Pisces is, The Fishes and is one of the thirteen astronomical symbols of the Zodiac. Pisces resembles two fish connected by a long piece of string. In Greek Mythology, Aphrodite (the goddess of love) and her son transformed themselves into fish to escape a monstrous typhoon and tied themselves together to keep from being separated. The best time to view Pisces is during November around 9.00pm.

Cassiopeia means The Queen of Ethiopia or Andromeda Mother. Cassiopeia was a vain Queen and is said to be chained to her throne in the heaven as punishment for her distasteful behavior. The best time to see Cassiopeia in the southern night sky is on cool beautiful fall evenings around 9.00 pm.

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PEEC Events
View our calendar of events by Date to see the programs available at PEEC for the autumn season.

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