PPL Wetlands. Two Hikes, What A Difference A Week Makes.

Last Monday I hiked in the PPL Wetlands on a  a sunny and hot late Summer day. Although a lot of the song birds have already flown south, and there were signs of fall everywhere ,  it still felt  like Summer in the sun and heat. The temperature was in the mid 80’s. The sound of the cicada and crickets still filled the air. 

I  saw a few turtles sunning themselves in the late summer sun. 

And there were dragonflies buzzing in the air and a lot of spider webs and spiders in the woods. 

The trees lining the paths and canals still were covered in their green Summer coats, with only a few leaves changing color. Here are some more photographs from my hike last Monday. https://keepyoureyespeeled.net/photographs-5/nggallery/blog-photos/ppl-wetlands-september-7-2015

What a difference in the Wetlands today. The oppressive heat and humidity were gone, replaced by clouds and cool Canadian air. The woods seem deserted. No turtles, frogs or snakes along the canals. And the woods were silent too. No crickets or cicada today. And not a song bird or robin either. I only saw a few sparrows and a turkey vulture. 

But the wild grapes, acorns, hickory nuts, and black walnuts were now ripe and falling to the ground. 

The late Summer and Fall flowers, many of the aster family were now in bloom.

And this week I did find some mushrooms that have grown after the rains we finally had this last week. A good sign and i’m hoping they start to grow with this cooler weather. 

It is always nice to walk in the PPL Wetland, even in the cold and ice of Winter, but I much prefer to hike when the paths and trails are teaming with life. Unfortunately, with each passing week, the plants and animals are getting ready for their long Winter’s sleep. But Spring is only six months away!  This is a link to some more photographs I took on my hike today. https://keepyoureyespeeled.net/photographs-5/nggallery/blog-photos/ppl-wetlands-september-13-2015

“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.”
― William Shakespeare