Seen Last Week

Frost in the valley at Duck Hollow, 28 Oct 2024 (photo by Kate St. John)

3 November 2024

Last week began with light morning frost but rose to 80°F on Halloween.

The colors were gorgeous at Duck Hollow on Monday …

Fall color and blue sky at Duck Hollow, 28 Oct 2024 (photo by Kate St. John)

… while tendrils of fog chased each other across the river.

Fog tendrils blow slowly across the Monongahela River at Duck Hollow, 28 Oct 2024 (video by Kate St. John)

These wisps were formed at the rivers edge as clear cold air passed over warm water. Sunbeams make this a poor quality video, below, but you can see the wisps starting near shore. (You might also hear a song sparrow chipping in the background.)

Fog forms at Duck Hollow, 28 Oct 2024 (video by Kate St. John)

Slanting light illuminated the trees at Schenley Park.

Fall color and slanting light in Schenley Park, 29 Oct 2024 (photo by Kate St. John)

A leaf-hidden cocoon reminded me why clearing out leaves is bad for insects. This insect will overwinter on a leaf in Frick Park and emerge as — perhaps — a butterfly or month next spring. Or it may become food for a bird this winter. The insect chain is broken where don’t leave the leaves.

Insect cocoon on a leaf at Frick Park, 30 Oct 2024 (photo by Kate St. John)

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