10 November 2022
In Pittsburgh the wind blew all day last Saturday with gusts as high at 35 mph. By Sunday morning, 6 November, most of the trees were bare.
I confirmed this at my favorite “leaf gauge” hillside in Schenley Park, above, after hiking at Hays Woods where bare trees sheltered the still-green leaves of invasive honeysuckle.
Deciduous conifers are finally showing their own fall colors. Larches are yellow, dawn redwoods (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) are orange.
The needles were dropping fast from this one in front of Phipps Conservatory.
Meanwhile half of the ginkgos (Ginkgo biloba) along Schenley Drive still had leaves.
Last year they weren’t bare until 20 November, below, but I predict they will be earlier this year.
Even if I couldn’t see them I can hear a clue that most of the trees are bare. The sound of leaf blowers fills my neighborhood. Maybe yours, too.
(photos and audio by Kate St. John)
Hi Kate, Happy Belated Bird-day! Sorry I missed the day. Thanks for your hard work and dedication to your blog. You have really increased my knowledge of what marvels our planet has. So many times we take things for granted and assume our feathered and furry friends will always be there for our enjoyment. You make us aware that we need to take care of Mother Earth. I’ve enjoyed watching the peregrine and Hays Eagle videocams thanks to you.
Many more happy years of blogging!