Natural Events
September:
-
The beginning of fall triggers the migration of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds to their tropical winter destinations -- Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands.
-
As September continues, the raptors join the migrating birds. Thousands of broad-winged hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey head south for the winter.
-
Monarch butterflies begin their long migration to Mexico. These insects may cover up to 80 miles per day, traveling 10-30 mph, as they float on the breezes.
-
By the end of September, the fall wildflowers have started to bloom. Beautiful gold, white, and purple flowers bloom on asters, goldenrods, sunflowers, and daisies.
October:
-
With winter migration and hibernation approaching, animals compete for the high fat and carbohydrate concentrations of berries and nuts.
-
Cooler temperatures and shorter days cause the green chlorophyll to disappear from deciduous leaves, allowing for bright, colorful 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.
-
At the end of October, over 30 species of waterfowl begin to migrate south. Listen and look for Canada geese flying in a “V” formation that decreases wind resistance for the entire flock.
November:
-
The largest raptos round up the fall migration. Northern harriers, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, and turkey vultures fly south for the winter.
-
After the fall leaves have fallen to the ground, billions of microorganisms, earthworms, sow bugs, and millipedes feed on the fallen leaves. Nutrients are returned to the soil through their droppings.
-
During third week of November, the white-tailed deer breeds. They give birth in May or June, often to twins. The white-tailed deer is the state mammal of Pennsylvania.
-
During the last week of November, birds from Canada migrate to our area for the winter. Look for purple finches, evening grosbeaks, fox sparrows, and tree sparrows at your feeders.
PEEC Events
View our Calendar page to see programs available at PEEC during the autumn season.
