October Nature Happenings

• Blue Jays bury acorns and other nuts to be eaten later. They have an excellent memory and know where most acorns are buried. As a result of uneaten, cached acorns, this species is responsible for "planting" some oak trees.

• Cormorants, geese, ducks, cranes, etc. usually fly in a "V" formation. Supposedly, all but the lead bird gain lift from wing-tipped vortices produced by the lead bird.

• This is the month to install and repair nest boxes for use next year.

• Pine Siskin return early this month and in late September.

• Sandhill Cranes return to the area.

• Autumn colors peak in the third week of October.

• Waterfowl migration continues to build.

• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have departed by the 15th.

• Most Wood Ducks migrate south this month.

• White-tailed Deer bucks go into rut.

• Juncos and White-throated Sparrows become common at feeders.

• Orionids meteor shower is late-October.