Yesterday, I set out to capture the vibrancy of fall colors and found myself wandering through a local garden in full autumn bloom. On my way there, I spotted what I believe was a Red-tailed Hawk sitting by the roadside, surrounded by a group of crows. I immediately pulled over, wishing I had brought my telephoto lens. To my surprise, I noticed that the hawk had something in its claws—a rodent of some kind. I was shocked by the sight! With only my macro lens on hand, I did my best to capture the moment, but as I stepped out of the car, the hawk took off, clutching its catch, and flew to the top of a telephone pole. INCREDIBLE!
Next, my original destination, a local fall garden. As I walked, I tuned out the chatter of other visitors, immersing myself in the colors around me. This time of year, nature gifts us with its last spectacular display before entering the quiet of winter—a reminder that even the ordinary can become extraordinary with a change in light and color. Each leaf, once a simple green, now stands out as an autumn masterpiece, showcasing hues of yellows, oranges, reds, and even purples.
But there’s more to this change than meets the eye. During the warmer months, chlorophyll—the pigment that makes leaves green—plays a vital role in photosynthesis, helping plants turn sunlight into energy. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, plants slow down their food production, and the chlorophyll breaks down, revealing pigments like carotenoids (which bring out yellows and oranges) and anthocyanins (responsible for the reds and purples). These colors have been in the leaves all along, hidden beneath the green, waiting for their moment to shine.
"Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go."
The brilliance of these colors isn't just for show—it serves a greater purpose in nature's design. As leaves change and eventually fall, they decompose and enrich the soil with essential nutrients, creating a cycle that supports new growth in spring. This natural recycling of nutrients also supports countless organisms, from insects to soil microbes, creating a foundation for a thriving ecosystem.
"Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen."
Walking through the garden, I found myself deeply connected to this cycle, noticing each leaf and flower and how they contribute to a larger rhythm in nature. The way these colors blend together—from soft peaches and oranges to vibrant reds and deep greens—reminds us of the beauty in life’s transitions and the importance of slowing down to witness them.
To my surprise, even in November, there were still dahlia flowers showing off their vibrant hues, along with an array of mum flowers. Each bloom held on to the season’s final colors, creating a rich sensory experience.
"In every leaf and shadow, autumn invites us to pause and savor the art of nature."
With my camera in hand, I felt the importance of capturing this fleeting beauty before it fades into winter, leaving only the memories of a landscape alive with color and energy. Taking in fall’s final burst of color helps quiet the mind and fill the heart, reminding us of the resilience and renewal woven into the natural world.
As the colors of fall surround us, I challenge you to create your own photo story this season. Grab your camera or even just your phone, and head to a nearby park, garden, or forest. Don’t just snap photos—take the time to truly see and feel the beauty around you. Notice how the light changes on each leaf, the way colors blend from tree to tree, and the quiet rhythm of nature preparing for winter. Let this be a moment to connect with the season, to capture its fleeting beauty, and to appreciate the vibrant masterpiece that only fall can paint.
Bonus Encounter: The Majesty of an Eagle
On my way home from the garden, I had an unexpected treat—a lone eagle perched high on a telephone pole, surveying its kingdom. I was kicking myself once again for not bringing my telephoto lens. When am I going to learn to travel with all my lenses? The eagle sat there, undisturbed by the bustle below, a quiet monarch overlooking the lives unfolding beneath him. Watching this scene, I was reminded of how wildlife often moves among us, so close yet just out of reach, revealing itself only to those who take the time to look up.
"Nature often reveals its magic when we least expect it; all we need is to pause and notice."
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