Eye on Nature

As daylight slants to south and the moon wanes to new, a curtain of fog lowers and signals the change of scene.  Shifting winds and forecasts of rain add atmosphere and broadleaf trees bring new colors to the set as summer’s actors change costumes and leave the stage for warmer latitudes.

A new act is upon us and the players who remain are busy preparing.  Squirrels dash from tree to tree, hoarding winter stores of seeds and nuts.  Birds, small and large, gorge on insects slowed by morning chill, filling crops and building fat to fuel their bodies during the dark days ahead.  In their silent way, trees and other plants are shifting too–cutting off leaves and stems no longer productive as the days shorten and light energy fades.

As the curtain lifts the scene before us is bittersweet, one filled with contrast and contradiction–passage and renewal, crisp air but sunny skies, brilliant colors with low-angled light.  Whether feeling resigned or excited, the audience waits.  The set is ready, the drama has begun.  Autumn is on stage again.

Wally Shriner is an MHCC biology instructor and is a Natural Resources Technology program faculty adviser. Eye on Nature is his monthly column.