This week we’ve had ideal fall weather – clear, sunny skies, daytime temperatures in the high teens and frost overnight.
The canopy is still largely green, now tinged with yellow and other colours in the autumn palette.
We have been out and about and haven’t had time to put together a post until now.
Sifton Bog – October 5, 2026
On a sunny afternoon, we walked the trail around the perimeter of the bog before taking the boardwalk to bog.
There were few birds, but many different kinds of fungus.
Hen of the Woods is an edible mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly maples or oaks.
Besides Turkey Tail, we could not confidently identify most of the other fungi we saw. Turkey Tail fungi are said to resemble the tail feathers of Wild Turkeys.
Fungi and other soil organisms are essential to the ecosystem. They break down dead organic matter such as woody debris, turning it into humus that improves soil fertility and water retention. The break down of organic matter releases nutrients like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into soil and the atmosphere, supporting plant growth and the cycle of life.
We noticed pine cones that had a white coating. The coating is a resinous or waxy substance that helps protect the seeds inside the cone from moisture and pests. It can deter animals from eating the seeds. These cones are from an Eastern White Pine.
Autumn colours from Burning Bush (aka Winged Euonymus), a popular garden plant that escaped into the wild and has become invasive.
Fall colours on the boardwalk to the bog.
This meadowhawk dragonfly was basking in the sun.
Wild Basil and Common Tansy.
Wandering Bee Flowers
The overnight frost will bring an end to flowers from Wandering Bee. Some will survive in hoop houses for a while longer or be harvested before a heavy frost.
Songs with Numbers
Just for fun, here are some songs by The Beatles. I thought I could add the middle song because of the chorus.
