Seven Things to Observe in Nature Study in the Fall

 As I write this blog post, I'm currently sitting on my back patio, listening to the birds.  They are chatting away, making plans... fall has finally arrived in my neck of the woods and they are busy.  The sun is slow in peeking its head out this morning and the leaves are dancing on the breeze.  And the whole world is breathing a sigh of relief.  

Everyone in my house is doing the same as cooler weather means weekend bike rides and homemade applesauce. Fall is finally here.

Today I'm sharing a few favorites things to look for in nature during this fall season.  May this list inspire you to get outside and discover all that autumn has to offer.  It's a brief season, squished between summer and the holidays.  It takes a little more intention to slow our minds and focus our eyes.  But believe me, fall has a lot to offer.

Things to Observe in the Fall--

1. Moon and stars-- Fall and winter are my favorite seasons for astronomy.  Take advantage of the longer nights to find the planets and constellations.  Find a spot away from the lights to watch the moon come up over the horizon.  Or wake the kids early to observe the fading of the stars as the sun comes up.

2. The changing leaves-- Take a walk in the woods and observe the changing leaves.  Why aren't they green?  Where did these colors come from?  Can you identify the trees even with their changing leaves?  Talk about evergreens vs deciduous.  Which tree is your favorite?

3. Spider webs-- October is the perfect month to go on a spider hunt.  They add a creepy element to the season.  Observe how the spider connects his web from one spoke to another.  

4. Pumpkins-- Take a trip to your local pumpkin patch.  Notice how many different varieties there are.  Ask the farmer what they're all used for, what makes them unique, the average sign one grows and what affects its growth.  Then look up a new recipe to try with your seasonal pumpkins.

5. Cornmazes and hayrides-- While you're at the pumpkin patch, wander through a corn maze or take a hayride.  Notice the texture and feel of both.  Talk about what they're used for... feeding both humans and animals.

6. Migrating birds-- Watch for migrating birds.  Where we live, the geese fly over this time of year.  Listen to the way they signal each other.  Watch the changing of their flight patterns.  How do they communicate?  Try to catch a group taking flight.  Notice how they catch the wind currents.

7. Skunks-- Even in the city, we have several skunks that frequent our neighborhood.  Let the kids stay up late one night and watch through the window (better safe than sorry).  Talk about how skunks have poor eyesight and that's why they often come closer than they should. Once you learn these little creatures patterns, you'll often notice them year round.

What are you observing in nature this fall?