Ken Lassman has been keeping this almanac for over a decade, He invites you to share your observations and photos in the comments section. You can find his book Wild Douglas County at The Raven Bookstore and The Community Mercantile in Lawrence.
Deer Mating Moon – October
The Osage called this time Deer Mating Moon to commemoratee the very noticeable ree-appearance of the bucks, who are beginning to “rut,” which they literally do with their hooves. They find a prominent place and scrape the groundcover clear of vegetation as part of their mating ritual.
Hackberry, ash, box elder and elm trees are the first to turn yellow this month, providing nice contrast to the reds of sumac, poison ivy and Virginia creeper as their green chlorophyll plays out leaving either the yellow or red chlorophylls to collect the shorter day’s sunlight. Mid-late month spells the end of the growing cycle for annuals with the first killing frosts coming then most years. Mid-month is a great time to find native prairie patches, looking for the coppery colored grasses that distinguish them from the greens of cool season grasses such as brome, fescue and, of course, wheat.
Bird migration is building all month, with seagulls that breed in Canada passing through the area, along with pelicans, geese, and various ducks. A trip to Clinton or any other area reservoir, or the Wakarusa Wetlands is almost always a rewarding outing, whether it be for the migrating fowl around sunrise or sunset, or the changing colors of fall. This is the favorite time of year for many folks who like to be outdoors–what are you waiting for?
Hi Ken, Wondering if you could provide any recommendation on something I¹ve been considering. I noticed in the recent Kaw Valley Almanac post a mention of good time for bird activity in the area. On the other end of the cycle, is there a time in the coming 5 months that would be a particularly low point for activity? Late July or August for example? I¹ve been thinking of an evening event at the Baker Discovery Center to get people to experience the work of what is happening out there, but I¹m not certain of the best time to do so (other than perhaps 6 weeks ago?). Any suggestions from your experience? Thanks.
Chuck Magerl Free State Brewing Co (c)785-393-5017 (f)785-843-2543 636 Massachusetts St Lawrence, Kansas 66044
LikeLike