I usually realize that summer is winding down when I see that the CNE has opened. No CNE this year or last so the appearance of various aster and goldenrod species has the same effect.
This morning I visited the eastern end of the Bluffs and walked in East Point Park.






MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it at the end of the post.


Three Goldenrod species were beautifully in bloom



and three Aster species:



Other botany:






























MYSTERY BIRD
The large head indicates a Belted Kingfisher. Extra marks if you noticed the rusty breastband showing that this is a female.


NATURE POETRY
There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood—
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time. – Bliss Carman
Miles Hearn
The end of summer–how sad it sounds. Thankfully, I love the Fall. And the Bluffs! Beautiful pictures. Thanks, Miles!