For the first time since May, there is a chill in the air this morning. The longer nights are beginning to take a toll and a potent cold front has brought dry, cool, Canadian air to the Heartland. After an especially hot and muggy summer, it is a welcome change indeed.
On my predawn walk to work, this taste of autumn had obvious effects. Birdsong is picking up once again and the suburban wildlife is more active and conspicuous. Humans are also responding to the reprieve; more joggers and walkers are pounding the pavement and sweatshirts made their first appearance of the season. My own pace was noticeably quicker and, for the first time in months, I arrived at work without that damp feel of a workout.
No doubt, the heat will return but one can sense that our oppressive, Midwestern summer has lost its grip. Ahead are the glorious days of fall with their many gifts for the naturalist. The days may be shorter but they are certainly more inviting; I may even take up yard work once again.
