Mention autumn and most Americans think of pleasant September, beautiful October and their ugly sister, November. After all, November has a reputation for cold weather, gray skies and the first snow of the season. Yet, in recent years, the fabulous weather of October has extended well into November and, as our climate warms, that trend should continue.
Even more inviting for naturalists and birdwatchers are the natural spectacles that unfold in November. Huge flocks of migrant waterfowl, followed by bald eagles and peregrine falcons, descend on our lakes and reservoirs. Accompanied by various loons, grebes, gulls and rare vagrants, these wanderers offer, in my opinion, the most inspiring events of the year. And, in our fields and woodlands, the crisp, late autumn weather invigorates the native wildlife, now especially conspicuous amidst the barren trees and open landscape; hawks, owls, deer, coyotes, fox and a variety of small mammals are often best observed during this transition from autumn to winter.
Though she arrives in the wake of glorious October, November is more than welcomed by naturalists and hunters alike. In our minds, this month is not a homely step-sister to be shunned and ridiculed; rather, she is the Cinderella of nature's year.
