The Beginnings of Autumn

The 1st, the Met Office autumn date, and 22nd of September, the equinox, have passed and so it is definitely autumn.  Signs of autumn are beginng to show themselves.  Some Beech leaves in the tree in the orchard have turned golden.  Usually these leaves remain on the tree right through until spring.

Outside the Field Centre the Red Oak is showing off its red leaves.

Larch needles have just a hint of yellow to them but their cones are hanging heavily on the branches.  Over winter flocks of birds can be heard twittering as they feed from the cones.

Hawthorn berries are ready and waiting for the migrant Blackbirds and Redwings.

Warm sun brings out the butterflies and once warmed by the sun they feed, storing up fat levels ready for hibernation.  Brightly coloured Comma butterflies hibernate in amongst dead leaves.

This Speckled Wood looks somewhat battered but is camouflaged against the fallen leaves.  The males usually perch in a suny glade, from where they rises rapidly to intercept any intruder. Both sexes feed on honeydew in the treetops and are rarely seen feeding on flowers, except early and late in the year when aphid activity is low.  Winter survival relies on caterpillars and pupae, which is unusual amongst butterflies.

Thank you to Andrew for providing the Larch and butterfly photos.