The last weeks of summer and the first weeks of fall are, in my opinion, the best days of the year. Some may prefer the fragrant months of spring or the tropical heat of summer; a minority might choose the snowscapes of winter. But I, like many others, find that late September and October are most appealing.
These days are golden, both literally and figuratively. Goldenrod and late-blooming sunflowers brighten the fields, crops are yellowing and a golden hue highlights the woods and grasslands. Accentuated by clear, sunny skies and dry, cool air, gold is the universal color of autumn; while more intense reds, oranges and purples may dominate the scene in some regions, gold reigns from the Pacific to the Atlantic and from the Arctic tundra to the dunes of the Gulf.
Autumn is truly golden for the naturalist. Offering ideal conditions for outdoor exploration, its mild, sunny days and crisp, invigorating nights draw us from our air-conditioned homes, encouraging both exercise and adventure. And there's much to see during this season of harvest and migration as our wild neighbors prepare for winter or escape to southern climes. These are, indeed, the golden days of nature's year.
