Phenology (Autumn or Fall)
Phenology is the study of natural seasonal or cyclic events such as the first spring flower or the dates that birds migrate. Most of us notice such events in the spring or the autumn. This year far more people than usual will be watching the migration of birds, as some of the birds are carrying bird flu with them. Some humans pay attention to the birds as they migrate, but others are oblivious. Many are familiar with the V-formation of geese flying high overhead. New York skyscrapers plan to darken their lights after midnight so that migrating birds will not be attracted to their deaths. On the other hand, one TV tower's wires killed 400 birds in one night. As some birds leave, others may arrive. Birds aren't the only creatures that migrate; monarch butterflies do too. But the butterflies that return to their winter homes in Mexico are not the same generation that left them in the spring.
Another obvious sign of autumn is the change in colour and fall of leaves, which can be very beautiful. Some places are so famous for it that they attract many tourists. New England is one such area, and there are several sites that you can visit to see how far autumn has progressed, such as this one in New Hampshire. This year summer is hanging on, however, and the leaves were remaining green later than usual in New England.
Other autumnal signs are fruits and fungi. People still go out and pick them in the wild and they add colours and interest. A few plants wait until late to flower. Deer may come into rut. Some animals will be feeding as fast as they can ready for hibernating, or already looking for somewhere to sleep away the cold winter months. You may be able to help by providing suitable homes. If you are lighting bonfires, make sure there are no animals curled up inside them first. Some creatures may be choosing to overwinter in places that would have been too cold for them only a decade ago.
Nearer the poles, ice will be reforming, though thanks to global warming there may be less of it and it may begin later.
Phenology is a study that everyone can contribute to by making their own observations, or digging through old diaries and documents. Here are a few sites to give you some ideas:
This article relates to a news wire in the October 07 Environmental Roundup.
Index of topics in this series.
[Views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of CompuServe, Netscape, any government, agency, or news organization. External Websites are "At Your Own Risk," and no endorsement is expressed or implied.] Sue [sysop in NewsForum, World Issues, All Animals forums] | 
