Field Study #5

Saturday, October 24, 2026

I can officially check doing my fifth field study off my to-do list! I was super excited to do this field study in hopes of getting to capture the fall colors at their peak buuut I missed them by a bit. I feel a little let down quite frankly, but there were still some pretty shades here and there to savor. Additionally- it was so much colder than I thought it would be! I was out all day, went inside to get my notebook and put on a sweatshirt, came back out, and I was hit with nothing but frigid air! It was a surprise to say the least, but I can't say I'm disappointed. I enjoy colder weather ☺︎

Field Notes:

Date: 10 - 24 - 26

Time: 6:20p.m. - 7:00p.m.

Length of Day: 8:05a.m. - 6:44p.m. (10h, 38m)

Temperature: 59°F

Climate: Clear, chilly, dead calm

Observations: I wish I could say it was as nice out today as it was last time I did this, but unfortunately I can't. As much as I like colder weather, I do not like when I don't dress adequately for it, so I suppose that's on me (as much as I'd like to blame some other factor). Anywho, let me get to the point: there was not much going on today either; lucky for you all, I'll always find something to talk about. 

Something that wasn't there last time, but isn't new at all, are the crickets! They were back to my surprise, and it was nice to hear them again (though they were much quieter). As for the only other thing I heard, that would be the creek, but I always hear that so it doesn't qualify as much in my book. As for things I saw? The only true answer would be geese, which was the most exciting encounter of this visit. They were far off, but I could see their V formation as they flew right by where the moon was rising. It was a pretty sight but they unfortunately did not register well enough in the picture for anyone to see normally; what a shame! The only other thing I saw, which are there every time, were the gnats. They don't do much and sort of just hover- kind of useless if you ask me; I wonder why God decided to make them. Moving on! This time round, if I was to say that I felt anything more than cold, I would be lying. There was absolutely no breeze, not even a whisper, no sun rays to soak in, or bigger bugs to run away from (I'm thankful for that last part). So when I say I felt nothing but the chill drifting around, thats the honest truth, as boring as it is. Now, onto the last sense (since we are still not going to be doing any tasting): I smelled leaves, a sort of musty and damp smell, which sounds revolting when I explain it like that; despite that, it was your average fall scent. It is always very interesting to see so many different things coming and going each time I do this. As mundane as this trip was, it was nice to be able to do this at all! I wonder if there will be snow for the next field study? I doubt it- but you never know! ☃︎

Changes Since Last Visit: I think I ought to start by talking about how half of the leaves are gone, and how I missed it! I'm so bummed! There were still some pretty colors, just not as vibrant as they'd be in their prime time. So, there was obviously lots of leafy debris scattered on the ground, much more than last time. The grass started to turn a darker green, at least from what I could see in the current lighting. The volume of brownery™ (go to the previous field study to understand, I'm making this a term now) just about doubled too, so there was in turn, significantly less greenery. Even many of the plants right on the bank of the creek were gone or shriveled up! To my utmost pleasure, there were no mosquitos trying to get a piece of me either. They set off for warmer weather and left me with their odd, distant cousins, the gnats. I sincerely wish they would go bother someone else; they treat me as if I'm Pigpen from Charlie Brown! Which I can assure you- I am not. Moving on, as mentioned above, the crickets were back, which was astonishing since I believed they were done for the year. Lastly, it was definitely colder this time (what would you know). I asked for that last time, but I should have also asked that I bring the right clothes to dress appropriately for it! Oh well, I'll remember this for next time... hopefully. 

Photos

wide shot take #toomany

it looked way brighter in real life I swear!

the moon was already out, and super bright!

some ferns, I always think their
intricate-ness is so captivating

something fuzzy. if plants could
hibernate, this one would for sure!

a pic of the fungi from last time! pretty
unchanging if you ask me

different fungi, turkey tail maybe?

these were the only flower-like thing
that I could find sadly

some moss, it still had a fairly vivid color

I wonder where this hole leads to...
maybe something lives here?
  

I'm starting to think that he's permanent company

  

no autographs today, sorry!

you know the drill, same spot!