rust & brown

Trees wearing leaves are few; remaining leaves wear the colors of rust and brown.

on the flip side

The beautiful design of the Cairns birdwing butterfly's wings is visible as the butterfly flits about and as it sits with wings folded. I've seen glimpses of the top side of the wings but until yesterday I never saw the full color and pattern of the top side of its wings.

As I enjoyed the butterflies flitting through Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory I saw one Cairns birdwing sitting with wings open, posing for a photo.

Cairns birdwing butterfly, wings open


Cairns birdwing butterfly, wings closed

west to wonder

This morning I drove west to wonderous beauty. First I headed to the Botanic Garden of Smith College in Northampton to visit the Fall Chrysanthemum Show in the Lyman Conservatory. Absorbing color in flowers was followed by a stop at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield for some time with the butterflies.

I welcomed the bright colors; the trees that continue to wear leaves are showing the color of rust.

early dark

Daylight shifted today on this first day back in standard time.

I was happy this morning when I woke up to find the sky lightening ahead of sunrise. I like the morning light, but early darkness will be hard.

It was 20 minutes before today's 4:35 pm sunset as I drove across the bridge over the Parker River on my way home from the refuge. The light caught my eyes, and yes, I had to stop!

(plant) transition

When I was in the garden this week I noticed that the flowers of the honeysuckle vine had been replaced by berries in red. What an interesting transition!

wet

It was a wet day today, with temperatures on the warm side. The forecast says that cooler air is on the way.

The relative warmth feeds color in late season flowers.

late bloom

I find it that there are still a few late blooming flowers decorating the garden.

photos! Acadia

The colors were just past peak as I wandered in Acadia National Park last week. I experienced changing weather, from pure blue skies to interesting clouds, to heavy rain and wind. The park was beautiful, as always; it was an awesome visit!

Photos can be seen in the gallery autumn, Acadia.

mirrored

While the autumn colors in the park are past peak, the remaining leaves continue to brighten the landscape. Mirrored colors and patterns create a picture.

walking, driving

The ocean called to me on the last Acadia morning for this trip. I walked along Ocean Path under changing skies. It was gray when I started but by the time I finished walking the clouds began to allow some blue to peek through.

A good morning walk was followed by a drive, a return home.