Backyard Almanac: Aut-win continues

Although there were never any sweltering days in October, the overall temps were above average. Precipitation is still below normal. The raptor count at Hawk Ridge is slowing down a bit, but the redpolls yesterday numbered over one thousand. Many saw-whet owls are passing through as well. Other critters are finding food where they can and many are preparing to bed down for the winter. Tamaracks are brilliantly yellow these days, and several other trees and bushes are still hanging onto their leaves, giving us a late October show of color.