October's first #phenology

If today's weather were a little wetter and a little colder, it would qualify as "raw." We're just back from a lull between heavy showers in which we snuck in walks with both dogs. The wind's direction has been highly variable. We've observed it blow from the southwest, southeast, northeast, and points in between in almost random order. This isn't the kind of weather that comes to mind when we picture October, which has often been a very good month for us.

can you spot the barred owl among the branches?

Photo by J. Harrington

Back in New England, October was a prime month for surf or inshore fishing for striped bass and bluefish as they schooled up, feasted on baitfish, and headed toward southern waters to overwinter. Of course, that created conflicts with our desire to head north from Massachusetts to harass ruffed grouse in Vermont. For a long while, the ruffed grouse harassment carried over after our relocation to Minnesota, but here it conflicted with waterfowl hunting, especially Canada geese. October, for many of us, presents a surfeit of pleasures before we even come near Halloween's treats and tricks.

great blue heron wading October's waters

Photo by J. Harrington

During recent years in October, we lucked into one of the few semi-decent photos of an owl we've ever managed. Same for a great blue heron. The Daughter Person and Son-In-Law married in early October a few years ago. That year things were quite a bit more hectic than they are now, since the wedding took place in our "back forty," with guests seated on hay bales borrowed from a neighbor. The ceremony occurred in an opening of several hours between storms. The bride and groom to be worked hard to earn that shot of luck.

hay bale pews in an outdoor cathedral

Photo by J. Harrington

Much as we enjoy all four seasons, some much more than others, we wouldn't be too upset if we got stuck in October year round. Then again, we'd miss maple sugaring, Spring ephemerals, and mayfly hatches. Then, after October there's  Thanksgiving in November and, and.... Maybe we'll just do our best to enjoy October while we have it. Soon, many creatures, and our warmer weather, will feel an urge for going.

                     October

By Robert Frost

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes’ sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost—

For the grapes’ sake along the wall.

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