Catching the peak of fall colors requires science, art and lots of luck.
A few years ago, we were returning from a trip back east and happened to be driving through Grand Teton National Park on September 23rd. A journal entry from that day noted that in my opinion, the fall colors around Moose along the Snake River were at their absolute peak. That is why this year, we planned to be camping at Grand Teton’s Gros Ventre campground starting on the 20th of September. I was sorely disappointed. Colors had just begun to change and the peak was still at least a week away when we left on the 23rd.
As a photographer, precisely predicting when colors will change would be a handy skill. I have noted over the years that there is more or less an order to the change, so that is a start. Underbrush species such as huckleberry, spirea, serviceberry and snowberry, along with herbaceous plants such as fireweed, tend to start the show. In my experience, willows follow. Maples precede aspens and finding a hillside with both maples and aspens in color is a definite balancing act. Cottonwoods seem to be some of the last of the deciduous trees to change while larches, evergreens that drop their needles, don’t peak with their brilliant yellows until November. The degree of variability in all this would give a statistician gastric reflux, but this seems to be a general pattern I can count on.
Predicting exactly when the peak will occur and how vibrant the colors will be is another matter. It isn’t that the science isn’t there. There are just so many different combinations of the factors that determine color change that make me a poor forecaster.
The one single and consistent factor, and thus the most important in my mind, is day length. As days get shorter, or perhaps better stated, as nights grow longer, with the progression of autumn, biochemical changes in the leaf begin the process, irrespective of other factors. Leaf veins begin to seal off and at some point, chlorophyll production is going to stop, the bond between the petiole and the stem will weaken and the leaf will fall. Whether or not it provides a show during that process may be dependent on other factors.
There are several ways nature can stop this show. The first is drought. Leaves stressed by drought may simply wither and die without the blast of color we always hope for. It should be easy enough then, to predict that a dry summer is going to produce a poor color year. However, timely fall rains can reverse drought impacts and restore autumn’s splendor.
Another way that we could miss autumn color altogether is following a hard frost. Frost will kill the leaves and they may go from green and growing to dead and brown overnight.
Whether or not fall colors are going to be average or spectacular seems to be related to temperature. According to the US Forest Service, “A succession of warm, sunny days and cool, crisp but not freezing nights seems to bring about the most spectacular color displays. During these days, lots of sugars are produced in the leaf, but the cool nights and the gradual closing of veins going into the leaf prevent these sugars from moving out. These conditions – lots of sugar and light – spur production of the brilliant anthocyanin pigments, which tint reds, purples, and crimson.”
What should we hope for in order to get the best fall season? It seems that a warm, wet spring, followed by a warm, but not hot, summer and warm fall days with cool nights is the perfect combination.
However, that is a lot to ask for and even more to keep track of. I suppose I’ll just take what nature gives and be grateful for it.
Help Idaho Wildlife
When we traveled across the state in October 2017, most of the vehicles we saw using the wildlife management areas did not have wildlife plates. Buying wildlife plates is a great way for non-hunters and hunters alike to support wildlife-based recreation like birding.
C'mon folks, let's help Idaho's wildlife by proudly buying and displaying a wildlife license plate on each of our vehicles!
See below for information on Idaho plates. Most states have wildlife plates so if you live outside Idaho, check with your state's wildlife department or vehicle licensing division for availability of state wildlife plates where you live.
And tell them that you heard about it from Nature-track.com!
Wildlife License Plates
Idaho Wildlife license plates provide essential funding that benefits the great diversity of native plants and wildlife that are not hunted, fished or trapped—over 10,000 species or 98% of Idaho’s species diversity. Game species that share the same habitats (such as elk, deer, antelope, sage-grouse, salmon, trout) also benefit from these specialty plates.
No state tax dollars are provided for wildlife diversity, conservation education and recreation programs. Neither are any revenues from the sale of hunting or fishing licenses spent on nongame species. Instead, these species depend on direct donations, federal grants, fundraising initiatives—and the Idaho Wildlife license plates.
Both my vehicles have Bluebird Plates. I prefer the bluebird because the nongame program gets 70 percent of the money from bluebird plates, but only 60 percent of the money from elk and trout plates - 10 percent of the money from elk plates supports wildlife disease monitoring and testing programs (to benefit the livestock industry) and 10 percent from cutthroat plates supports non-motorized boat access.
Incidentally, in 2014, the Idaho Legislature denied the Department of Fish and Game the ability to add new plates or even to change the name of the elk and cutthroat plates (very specific) to wildlife and fish plates, a move that would have allowed for changing images occasionally and generating more revenue. It would seem that they believe that we Idahoans don't want a well funded wildlife program.
I think it is time we let the Legislature know that Idahoan support wildlife funding and that we would like to see these generic plates come to fruition.
"WOW. What a phenomenal piece you wrote. You are amazing." Jennifer Jackson
That is embarrassing, but actually a fairly typical response to my nature essays. Since The Best of Nature is created from the very best of 16 years of these nature essays published weekly in the Idaho Falls Post Register (online readership 70,000), it is a fine read. It covers a wide variety of topics including humorous glimpses of nature, philosophy, natural history, and conservation. Readers praise the style, breadth of subject matter and my ability to communicate complex and emotional topics in a relaxed and understandable manner.
Everyone can find something to love in this book. From teenagers to octogenarians, from the coffee shop to the school room, these nature essays are widely read and enjoyed.
Some of the essays here are my personal favorites, others seemed to strike a chord with readers. Most have an important message or lesson that will resonate with you. They are written with a goal to simultaneously entertain and educate about the wonderful workings of nature. Some will make you laugh out loud and others will bring a tear to the eye and warm your heart.
"You hit a home run with your article on, Big Questions in Nature. It should be required reading for everyone who has lost touch with nature...great job!" Joe Chapman
"We enjoyed your column, Bloom Where Planted. Some of the best writing yet. The Post Register is fortunate to have your weekly columns." Lou Griffin.
To read more and to order a copy, click here or get the Kindle version
Copies are also available at:
Island Park Builders Supply (upstairs)
Barnes and Noble in Idaho Falls
Harriman State Park, Island Park
Museum of Idaho
Valley Books, Jackson Wyoming
Avocet Corner Bookstore, Bear River National Wildlife Refuge, Brigham City, Utah
Craters of the Moon National Monument Bookstore, Arco, Idaho
Kukamata kilele cha rangi za vuli inahitaji sayansi, sanaa na bahati nyingi. Mwaka mmoja uliopita, tulikuwa tukirudi kutoka safari ya mashariki na tukagundua kwamba tulikuwa tukisafiri kupitia Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Grand Teton mnamo Septemba 23. "Kutoka kwa maandishi ya kitabu cha kumbukumbu, ""Nafsi yangu, rangi za vuli karibu na Moose kando ya Mto Snake zilikuwa kwenye kilele chao kabisa.""" Kwa hivyo, mwaka huu, tulipanga kupiga kambi katika kambi ya Grand Teton's Gros Ventre kuanzia Septemba 20. Nilikata tamaa sana. Rangi zilikuwa zimeanza kubadilika na kilele kilikuwa bado angalau wiki moja mbali wakati tuliondoka tarehe 23. Kama mpiga-picha, kutabiri kwa usahihi wakati rangi zitakapobadilika kungekuwa ustadi wenye manufaa. Nimekuwa nikiona kwa miaka mingi kwamba kuna utaratibu wa mabadiliko, kwa hivyo hiyo ni mwanzo. Mimea ya chini ya msitu kama vile huckleberry, spirea, serviceberry na snowberry, pamoja na mimea ya nyasi kama vile fireweed, huwa na kuanza show. Kulingana na uzoefu wangu, misonobari hufuata. Maple hufuata mti wa aspen na kupata mteremko wenye rangi ya maple na mti wa aspen ni jambo la usawaziko. Cottonwoods inaonekana kuwa baadhi ya mwisho wa miti ya majani kubadilisha wakati larches, evergreens kwamba kuacha sindano zao, si kilele na manjano yao mkali mpaka Novemba. Kiwango cha kutofautiana katika yote haya ingekuwa kutoa mtaalamu wa takwimu reflux tumbo, lakini hii inaonekana kuwa muundo wa jumla naweza kutegemea. Kutabiri kwa usahihi wakati ambapo kilele kitatokea na jinsi rangi zitakavyokuwa zenye nguvu ni jambo jingine. Si kwamba sayansi haipo. Kuna tu mchanganyiko mwingi wa mambo ambayo huamua mabadiliko ya rangi ambayo hunifanya ni mtabiri mbaya. Sababu moja na thabiti, na kwa hiyo muhimu zaidi katika akili yangu, ni urefu wa siku. Siku zinapokuwa fupi, au labda usiku unapoendelea kuwa mrefu, mabadiliko ya kibiolojia katika majani huanza. Vipande vya majani huanza kufungwa na wakati fulani, uzalishaji wa klorofili unasimama, na uhusiano kati ya shina na shina hupungua na jani huanguka. Kama au si hutoa show wakati wa mchakato huo inaweza kutegemea mambo mengine. Kuna njia kadhaa ambazo asili inaweza kukomesha maonyesho haya. Jambo la kwanza ni ukame. Majani yaliyoathiriwa na ukame yanaweza kufifia na kufa bila rangi tunayotazamia sikuzote. Ni rahisi sana kutabiri kwamba majira ya kiangazi yenye ukame yatakuwa na rangi mbaya. Hata hivyo, mvua za vuli zinazovuma kwa wakati unaofaa zaweza kurekebisha athari za ukame na kurudisha uzuri wa vuli. Njia nyingine ambayo tunaweza kukosa rangi ya vuli kabisa ni kufuata baridi kali. Baridi kali itaua majani na yanaweza kutoka kuwa ya kijani na kukua hadi kuwa maiti na kahawia usiku mmoja. Ikiwa rangi za vuli zitakuwa za wastani au zenye kuvutia inaonekana kuhusiana na joto. Kulingana na Huduma ya Misitu ya Marekani, <unk>Mfuatano wa siku zenye joto, zenye jua na usiku wenye baridi, zenye baridi lakini zisizo na baridi kali huonekana kuleta maonyesho ya rangi yenye kuvutia zaidi. Katika siku hizi, sukari nyingi hutengenezwa katika jani, lakini usiku wa baridi na kufungwa kwa mtiririko wa mishipa inayoingia kwenye jani huzuia sukari hizi kutoka nje. Hali hizo - sukari nyingi na nuru - huchochea utengenezaji wa rangi zenye kuvutia za anthocyanin, ambazo huchanganya rangi nyekundu, zambarau, na nyekundu. - Tunapaswa kutumaini nini ili kupata majira bora ya vuli? Inaonekana kwamba majira ya kuchipua yenye joto na unyevunyevu, ikifuatiwa na majira ya joto, lakini si ya joto, majira ya kiangazi na siku za majira ya kupumzika zenye joto na usiku wenye baridi ni mchanganyiko mzuri. Hata hivyo, hilo ni jambo kubwa sana na ni jambo la maana zaidi kufuatilia. Nadhani nitachukua tu kile asili inatoa na kuwa na shukrani kwa ajili yake. Wakati wa safari yetu ya kwanza ya mwaka wa 2017, magari mengi tuliyoyaona katika maeneo ya usimamizi wa wanyama wa porini hayakuwa na vitambulisho vya wanyama wa porini. Ununuzi wa sahani za wanyama wa porini ni njia nzuri kwa wasio wawindaji na wawindaji kwa usaidizi wa burudani ya wanyama wa porini kama vile ndege. Haya watu, hebu tuwasaidie wanyama wa porini wa Idaho kwa kununua kwa fahari na kuonyesha sahani ya wanyama wa porini kwenye kila moja ya magari yetu! Angalia hapa chini kwa habari juu ya Idaho sahani. Kwa sababu ya idadi kubwa ya maeneo ya wanyama wa porini, ikiwa unaishi nje ya Idaho, angalia na idara ya wanyama wa porini ya jimbo lako au idara ya leseni ya gari kwa upatikanaji wa sahani za wanyama wa porini za jimbo unaloishi. Na uwaambie kwamba ulisikia juu yake kutoka Nature-track.com! Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara ya Idara. Aina za wanyama wanaoshiriki mazingira sawa (kama vile elk, deer, antelope, sage-grouse, salmon, trout) pia wananufaika na sahani hizi za kipekee. Hakuna dola za kodi za serikali zinazotolewa kwa ajili ya utofauti wa wanyama wa porini, elimu ya uhifadhi na programu za burudani. Pia hakuna mapato yoyote kutoka kwa uuzaji wa leseni za kuwinda au kuvua samaki yanayotumiwa kwa spishi zisizo za mchezo. Badala yake, spishi hizi hutegemea michango ya moja kwa moja, ruzuku za shirikisho, mipango ya kukusanya fedha - na sahani za leseni za Idaho Wildlife. Magari yangu yote mawili yana nambari za Bluebird. "Mfano, ""Bluebird"" ni moja ya programu za michezo ya kuigiza ambazo zinapata asilimia 70 ya fedha kutoka kwa ""Bluebird Plates,"" lakini asilimia 60 tu kutoka kwa ""Elk and Trout Plates"" - asilimia 10 ya fedha kutoka kwa ""Elk Plates"" inasaidia programu za ufuatiliaji na upimaji wa magonjwa ya wanyama wa porini (kwa faida ya sekta ya mifugo) na asilimia 10 kutoka kwa ""Cutthroat Plates"" inasaidia upatikanaji wa mashua zisizo na injini." Mwaka 2014, Idaho ilikataa idara ya samaki na mchezo uwezo wa kuongeza sahani mpya au hata kubadilisha jina la sahani za elk na cutthroat (sawa sana) kwa sahani za samaki na samaki, hatua ambayo ingeruhusu kubadilisha picha mara kwa mara na kuzalisha mapato zaidi. "Wanaamini kwamba watu wa Idaho hawataki programu ya ""wanyama wa porini"" yenye fedha nyingi." """Nafikiri ni wakati wa kuwajulisha wabunge kwamba Idahoan inasaidia fedha za wanyama wa porini na kwamba tungependa kuona sahani hizi za kawaida zikifanywa." "Wow. Ni makala ya ajabu kama nini uliyoandika. Wewe ni wa ajabu sana". Jennifer Jackson Hiyo ni aibu, lakini kwa kweli majibu ya kawaida kabisa kwa insha zangu asili. "Kwa kuwa ""Best of Nature"" ni mchoro wa miaka 16 ya maandishi ya asili yaliyochapishwa kila wiki katika Idaho Falls Post Register, ni kusoma nzuri." Inazungumzia mada mbalimbali ikiwa ni pamoja na picha za ucheshi za asili, falsafa, historia ya asili, na uhifadhi. Wasomaji wanasifu mtindo, upana wa mada na uwezo wangu wa kuwasiliana mada ngumu na ya kihisia kwa njia ya kupumzika na inayoeleweka. Kila mtu anaweza kupata kitu cha kupenda katika kitabu hiki. Kutoka kwa matineja hadi watu wenye umri wa miaka 80 na zaidi, kutoka kwenye duka la kahawa hadi kwenye chumba cha shule, insha hizi za asili husomwa na kufurahiawa sana. Baadhi ya insha hapa ni favorites yangu binafsi, wengine walionekana kugonga chord na wasomaji. Wengi wao wana ujumbe muhimu au somo ambalo litakuvutia. Zimeandikwa kwa kusudi la kufurahisha na kuelimisha watu kuhusu utendaji wa ajabu wa asili. Baadhi yao yatakufanya ucheke sana na mengine yatakuletea machozi na kukufurahisha. "Ulipiga mbio ya nyumbani na makala yako juu ya, Maswali Makubwa katika Asili. Inapaswa kuhitajika kusoma kwa kila mtu ambaye amepoteza mawasiliano na asili... kazi kubwa! " Joe Chapman "Tulifurahia safu yako, Bloom Where Planted. Baadhi ya maandishi bora bado. Gazeti la Post Register lina bahati kuwa na safu zako za kila juma". Lou Griffin. Kwa wale ambao wanataka kusoma zaidi, angalia hapa: Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio cha Kivutio.