Summer Ramblings. #9 End of Summer.

Hi everyone and Happy Saturday! Plus today marks the end of summer and the end of summer ramblings for this year. I guess after this I will have to begin something else, perhaps Autumn Ramblings. I think I might go through each season that way. It is definitely cooler today, only 63F (17C) at the moment and should reach a high of 66F (19C) today.

We are also supposed to get showers and thunderstorms later this afternoon. Sure does not look like it right now though, even though it is mostly cloudy. But, there is quite a bit of sunshine too. We will still get some warmer days in September, but not likely hot days. However, on more than one occasion we have reached temps of 95F (35C) in mid September. That is unusual though.

A little bit of shoreline along a beautiful summer lake.

Mostly we can expect temps in the 60s or low 70s (17 to 23C). Some years we have even had snow, though it always melts. Right now is a good time to get out for some early fall, end of summer photography. There are some late blooming wildflowers that abound this time of year. And there are still some late flying insects around, though most have disappeared from the landscape now. But a few dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies can be found, especially around lakes and other wet areas.

Early Goldenrod with Goldenrod Crab Spider.

It can be good for birdlife too around those lakes. As birds begin to flock together and begin their migration, they like to spend time around lakes and nice forested areas where insect numbers can still be quite good. In town it is not so good, except for a few species of birds, unless there is an active bird feeder in the area.

But most people begin their winter feeding a little too late to catch the main bird migration through our area. And it is also a great time to photograph mushrooms, since many varieties are out until around the end of September and even into October if the weather remains nice. I like to photograph mushrooms. There are just so many varieties in our area and they range from very plain to very colorful.

I must include a photo of our beautiful White Pelicans.

But all are interesting to photograph. They can be from 1cm (quarter of an inch) up to about 8 inches (20cm) across. There was a bit of smoke in the air last night and this morning. Looks like there might still be a bit out there, though I cannot smell it now. Unfortunately the 2 inches (5cm) of rain we got didn’t quite make it to the areas that need it most, the forest fires.

The Ox-Eye Daisy which blooms all summer and into fall too.

There are still quite a few fires burning north of here, most are less than a 1,000 hectares, but some are larger. One is 18,700 hectares (46,209 acres), another is 19,100 hectares (47,197 acres), and a few others that are about half that size. Well, guess that wraps up our summer season of ramblings. I hope you all have a great weekend and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2024 Steve McLeod.