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European Starling

European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris  I was alerted to a large flock of starlings in a tree yesterday by their weird mix of sounds: warbles, whistles, and chatter. 

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Sweetgum

Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua There is a Sweet Gum tree near Potter’s Lake that’s showing some good color. Otherwise not much color in the tree canopy yet. Probably 1-2 weeks away … Continued

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Big Bluestem

Big Bluestem, Andropogon gerardi Early fall color in the prairie grasses.  The bright sunshine from behind makes it glow like stained glass.

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Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida The big trees in the forest are doing much, but the dogwoods are showing good fall color now. At the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT) you can … Continued

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New England Aster

New England Aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Asters are my favorite fall wildflower. Besides being beautiful, they are a critical fall nectar source for pollinators, especially Monarchs as they migrate to Mexico.  … Continued

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Hillers Creek

Hillers Creek Early Fall color along Hillers Creek here at the Prairie Garden Trust (PGT).

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Sassafras Leaves

Sassafras, Sassafras albidum I’m seeing more early fall color in small trees like this Sassafras.  At the PGT you are most likely to find Sassafras trees growing in small clusters … Continued

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Goldfinch

Goldfinch, Spinus tristis I’m seeing lots of Goldfinches these days. The prairie wildflowers have gone to seed and the goldfinches are having a feast.  American Goldfinches can be found year-round … Continued

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Pokeweed Berries

Pokeweed, Phytolacca americana This native plant doesn’t get the respect it deserves; it should be used more in gardens. It’s very colorful and not like any other plant I can … Continued

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Orange Sulphur Butterfly

Orange Sulphur Butterfly, Colias eurytheme I’ve been seeing a lot of butterflies feeding on New England Asters this week. I’ve been seeing one or two Monarchs every day and they … Continued

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