Last week’s weather forecasts were correct: our first snow came early this past Saturday morning 10/10. Not only did we wake up to a thin coating of snow that morning, but also we experienced the first temperatures below freezing (as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit!). Since Saturday, temperatures in southern Minnesota have struggled to reach the 50’s and even the mid-40’s on several days, and we’ve certainly had more rain than sun. The bigger snowfall, perhaps nearing two inches, came on Monday morning 10/12. It was a bit odd seeing the trees, many still showing no signs of fall coloration, covered in white.
The scenery behind the Interpretive Center on Monday morning, 10/12/09.
High temperatures this coming weekend are forecast to be in the low to mid-50’s, but so far there is no hint of an Indian Summer in the next ten days. It also appears that we’re in for more rain next week, so keep that umbrella handy.
Here are some other highlights from this week in the Arb:
– Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird last seen at feeder 10/12 (even after sugar water had frozen solid on 10/10!)
– Female Purple Finch at sunflower feeders behind Interpretive Center 10/14
– Great Horned Owl flushed from deciduous trees north of Borgeson Cabin Tuesday evening 10/13
– Tamaracks near Jim Gilbert Teaching Pond starting to show golden-yellow coloration 10/14
– New England Asters still blooming in Bird and Butterfly Garden 10/15
– Ginkgo leaves first observed falling north of Interpretive Center 10/10