October 15, 2017 - Indian Summer

Yet again we had beautiful fall weather this week, perfect for a hike or a paddle, so I did both - with great company.  First we took a drive up to Rollins State Park and walked to the summit of Mt. Kearsarge.  It was cool and windy on the summit, with clouds rolling just above us which kept the colors subdued. 

The Rollins trail at Rollins State Park

But the valleys were bright except where the low fog was still hanging over Lake Winnipesaukee and the Merrimack River.

Morning fog over Lake Winnipesaukee and the Merrimack River, with the Belknap mountains in the distance

Panoramic view from Kearsarge.  Photo by PC Chao

Then yesterday I had a warm, peaceful paddle on Wicwas with a long-time friend and colleague, enjoying the bright foliage reflecting off calm blue water.

Photo by David Meharry

Photo by David Meharry

We met a few other paddlers also out enjoying the day.

Paddlers on an autumn day.  Photo by David Meharry.

We were all attracted to a loud racket coming from the east shore of the lake, along Loon Point Rd.  As we approached it was clear the source of the noise was a massive flock of birds up in the trees - hundreds of them.  Those on shore (thanks CB) said they had been there for quite a while.  After a consult with the Cornell Ornithology mobile app, I determined they were Common Grackles.  You can hear the ruckus they make here; listen to the "Calls of flock" recording.

We also found a pair of loons on the lake, their plumage starting to change from their sharp, black and white breeding colors to their gray winter appearance.

One was preening for us, and when it rolled over to pay attention to its belly we were able to see that it was our banded female - no surprise there!

Faint white and silver bands are just visible on her right leg

As cooler weather arrives, decreasing human activity around the Lakes Region is replaced with a rise in animal activity.  Migrating birds are starting to come through New Hampshire on their travels south for the winter, and the animals that live here year-round are busy building up their winter energy sources, either through caching food or increasing their stores of fat.  These hardy year-rounders are also winterizing their homes, preparing for a New Hampshire winter just like we are.

Insulation from a gray squirrel nest is bulging out the seams

It's amazing how much noise a small animal can make rummaging around in the dry leaves this time of year.  I'm sure there's a bear, or a least a good size deer tramping through the woods near me, but when I stop to look for it, I find it's just a gray squirrel, or maybe even a chipmunk making all that ruckus.

I would be remiss if I didn't share some of nature's beauty now on display;  I think the Maples this year are some of the best I have seen.

If you haven't done your New Hampshire foliage viewing yet, there's still time, but it's getting short.

Maples are at peak in the Lakes Region; the Oaks just starting.  Photo by David Meharry