by Niti Seereeram
Fall is here in the Fells! Also referred to as the season of change, fall boasts many wild happenings as we transition from the hot, bright summer days to the cold, dark winter. From eerie witch hats to vibrant tree foliage, fall has many features to display as you hike the trails. Read on to learn about what’s happening this season.
The perfect plant for spooky season, witch hazel is a favorite in the Fells for its unique light yellow flowers with long, thread-like petals. Witch hazel has a late blooming season with flowers appearing starting late October to early November. Take a deep breath in and note their spicy, citrusy scent.
After admiring the flowers, search for witch hat galls on the leaves! These pointy witch hat-looking extrusions are the result of the aphid, Hormaphis hamamelidis. This aphid lays an egg on the witch hazel leaf, which reacts by growing the conical “witch hat” gall around the disturbance. After its growth, the aphid exits out of a hole on the bottom of the leaf. This interaction is an example of symbiosis in which neither the witch hazel or aphid are harmed in the process.
While a nuisance for humans, poison ivy is an important native plant with many benefits, including providing a nutritious source of food for our local birds during fall and winter! Poison ivy berries first appear in the summer as clusters of small, circular, green fruits. As the berries ripen throughout August and November, they turn whitish-yellow and become waxy. They then serve as a delicious feast for hungry birds during the harsher, colder seasons. Over 50 species of birds have been observed eating poison ivy berries, including Fells natives like chickadees and robins!
Fall is a great time for birding. As birds migrate south for the winter, many stop by the Fells for shelter and a snack. Warblers, hawks, and geese commonly appear during this time of year. Listen closely for the birds’ unique songs, such as the meow-like call from the grey catbird.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the season is in its name: fall! As we move into the darker months, you will observe leaves turning beautiful shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown as they lose their chlorophyll and prepare to drop for the winter. Be on the lookout for scarlet red maple leaves, golden hickories, and copper oaks as you traverse through the Fells. Don’t forget to bring your camera and send us photos of what you see at friends@fells.org!