an unexpected visitor and more color changes

The warm, damp weather of the past few days has brought out an unexpected visitor: Eastern Box Turtle. In 'normal' years the Box Turtles are safely tucked away in their hibernacles (hibernation retreats dug into the ground I assume) by this time of the year. The foliage continues to turn with Virginia Creeper, Viburnum and Sassafras joining the parade. The Hickories, although not as colorful, are turning yellow and some of the oaks are starting to turn (Red Oaks I assume). The spectacular show of the Tupelo leaves is over as the windy conditions of a day or two ago simply stripped off almost all the leaves. The rain should bring out some fresh mushrooms; I'll have to check tomorrow. Cooler weather might bring in some birds as well. Eric Salzman