Afton State Park volunteer Nina Manzi has been updating the phenology calendar in the visitor center with events and pictures for years. Since the visitor center has been closed and visitors haven’t been able to check the phenology calendar to see what signs of spring to look for, Nina is sending it online.
Phenology is the study of recurring events in the life cycle of plants and animals, many of which are closely tied to patterns of climate and seasonality. Learn more at the Minnesota Phenology Network.
Astronomy
Look for Mars near the just past full moon on Saturday, September 5th. Venus is bright in the pre-dawn sky in the east.
Birds
Some American robins have begun to form flocks and slowly move south. Others will stay in this area all winter. Look for groups of turkey vultures soaring overhead; they may have started on their way south also. And you may see hooded mergansers on the river.
Mammals
Gray squirrels are busy gathering black walnut seed pods, fruit, and acorns. Whitetail deer are growing in their gray winter coats, which will replace the summer red. And raccoons are on the prowl at dawn and dusk. Their closest relative is other than the ringtails of the southwest is . . . the bear!
Amphibians and reptiles
Snapping and painted turtle eggs are hatching and young turtles moving from nests to the water. Young turtles are vulnerable to predators at this time. And turtles of all ages and snakes bask in the September sunshine.
Insects
Monarchs butterflies have begun their southward migration. On cool mornings look for groups of them clustered together on trees where they roosted overnight. Green darner dragonflies migrate, also. In the late afternoon and evening look up to see them circling and slowly moving south.
“True bugs” are a group of insects that all have sucking mouthparts. Unlike many other insects, true bugs and also grasshoppers undergo only an incomplete metamorphosis and do not have a larval form. Instead a “nymph” which is a miniature version of the adult hatches directly from an egg. As the insect grows, it molts its exoskeleton and a new soft one underneath hardens. These in-between forms are called “instars”. The leaf-footed bug, twice- stabbed stinkbug, and sharpshooter leafhopper are some of the true bugs you might find at Afton. Bother the stinkbug at your own risk – when disturbed it emits a liquid that really does stink!
Plants
Wildflower season is winding down; in early September look for vervains and goldenrods on the prairie, and you may still see some jewelweed in wet areas. And sumacs are starting to turn read, signaling the coming of autumn.
Weather observations
Here are some weather observations for this week from past years:
| Friday, September 4 | 2013: muggy and near 90° |
| Saturday, September 5 | 2014: high in mid-60s |
| Sunday, September 6 | 2015: thunderstorm, 5/8” rain |
| Monday, September 7 | 2016: humid with a high in the upper 70s |
| Tuesday, September 8 | 2010: high 40s overnight |
| Wednesday, September 9 | 2000: record rainfall of 1.79” |
| Thursday, September 10 | 2015: temperature in 60s with light rain |
Photo credits: All photos copyright Nina Manzi, except: Keith Henjum, Hooded mergansers, Raccoon; Dean Lokken, American Robin, Turkey Vulture