Dry conditions and gusty north winds have pulled fall colors to the ground leaving patchy pale yellows and rusty reds in the canopy as we approach November.

The oak leaves have browned. Ducks, geese, swans and other waterfowl are ditching Canada for warmer ponds. It’s time to brace for winter though officially that’s not for another two months.

It’s a pleasure to witness autumn foliage on a warm sunny day. A mature sugar maple with its shaggy gray trunk displays bright shades of red with full fall gusto.