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August is here and the first signs of the move to autumn are becoming visible. In the wildflower world Goldenrod is starting to bloom, particularly at higher elevations where spring comes later than Asheville, but autumn arrives much sooner! Using this elevational variety allows us to extend any given seasons to some degree. The goldenrod I saw near Linville Gorge will be in bloom down here until September or even October. Another autumn blooming flower I saw at Mt. Mitchell is the Turtlehead, in this case the pink variety. I also saw lots of Jewelweed, White Wood Aster, Black Eyed Susan, Queen Anne's Lace, and the long blossoming Chicory alongside the roads. Down in the Asheville area, Wingstem, Joe Pye Weed, Clematis, and Mountain Mint, Wild Potato Vine, and its close relative Hedge Bindweed are all in good form. If you look closely at Poison Ivy, you'll easily see the small, nondescript berries. While I'm extremely allergic to the plant, and avoid it all costs, the berries are an import food source for many of our winter resident birds, providing oils, and starches so necessary during the cold. I also must admit, albeit grudgingly, that the leaves turn a beautiful red later in autumn. Another sure sign of the seasons progression is the American Goldfinch. I've recently seen the male in full breeding plumage. This is our areas only fall breeding songbird and its breeding season coincides with the bloom of various thistles. The fibers from the flower are used to construct the nest, and the seeds are the favored food for the young. To learn more about these beautiful little birds, click here. I'll be presenting a slide show later this month in Hendersonville, for more details about this and other upcoming events check out my schedule page. This months offers us a few neat astronomical events. On the night of the 12th the Perseid meteor showers will occur. While not nearly as spectacular as the Leonid storms of the last two years, these are well worth the effort to get out and see. These are the first meteors to be associated with a specific comet, Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. The comet orbits the sun every 135 years or so. It is projected to swing through the inner solar system in 2126 and should provide quite a show. Sorry I'll miss it! The bits of ice and rock that enter our atmosphere are traveling at about 130,000 MPH and are, on average, the size of a grain of sand. Going to a higher elevation well out of urban light pollution will enhance the experience greatly. Best views are expected between 2AM and sunrise on the morning of the 13th, although a full moon will minimize the visual impact of the meteors. The planet Mars will approach to within a mere 34.6 million miles or so of us on the 27th. This will be its closest approach to Earth in 60,000 years. It won't be long before autumn brings cooler temperature, clear skies, southward migrations, and the colors I look forward to throughout the summer. I hope I'll see you out in the woods. |