While forest foliage has been reluctant to change from its green color this fall, we are gradually seeing it begin to let go.
Click here to see the introductory post from January. Compare the September issue here.
The Pond. The wetland vegetation continues to turn brown. Also, note that the water level is now significantly lower than it was for much of the year since rainfall has slacked off recently.
The Tree. I'm thinking fall colors are usually much farther along by October 21st. This year, trees are still mostly green, though some other colors are beginning to faintly show up. The bales of wheat hay, spoiled because of the amount of rain we had earlier, are still where they've been for awhile now.
The Field. There's a big difference in the field since last month's visit. The soybeans have gone from a deep green to nearly ready for harvest. A few swaths that are still green may perhaps be a different variety? The corn crop, previously visible to the right in the background, has been harvested already.
The Mountain. As mentioned earlier, the forested mountainside is still primarily green. But if you look closely, you can see brown and yellow beginning to show up.
The River. As a pontoon boat passes by, some slight yellowing can be seen on Burns Island. I believe this is probably willow trees around the beaver pond in the island's interior.
Random Shot--Tadpoles. I was surprised to see this puddle in the field teeming with hundreds of tadpoles, thinking that would be a spring sight. But according to TWRA's Frogs and Toads of Tennessee website, the tadpole stage lasts from a few weeks to two years, depending on the species. It says Tennessee has 21 species of frogs and toads. Most are tadpoles for a few months, with the American Bullfrog taking up to two years. Visit the Tennessee Watchable Wildlife amphibian page here.
Red-tailed Hawk. If you saw last month's edition, you may recall my mention of an osprey sighting in the park. On this month's visit, as I appproached the park entrance, a red-tailed hawk swooped down in the freshly mown hayfield and flew off with a small rodent of some kind, probably a field mouse. Of course, it was all too fast for a photo.
Be sure to check back next month for another installment of the Kimball Park Project--2013.
Bob Butters All photos: Bob Butters
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