It seems like autumn is rushing in after some rather hot days and then possible frost tonight. A wagon full of pumpkins is one sign of approaching autumn season.
Autumn Pumpkins
It was a nice autumn day for outdoor adventures, including adventures at town festivals, parks and museums, but those venturing to Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, will not be able to have an elephant ride or see Kelly and Viola performance under the big top tent today. The two elephants retired in August, 135 years after first elephant, Babylon and Fannie, came to Baraboo in 1888 as part of Ringling Bros Circus. Kelly and Viola will spend the remainder of their lives at Oklahoma’s Endangered Ark Foundation.
Elephant Leaving Circus World
There were some trees in August turning color already, although there is some orange color coming not from autumn leaves, but instead from the reddish-orange of the pomes of the Mountain Ash. The colorful fruit is a favorite food source for many birds which hang on into winter.
Mountain Ash Showing Red
On shore the Double-crested Cormorant looks a bit gangly, but they don’t look quite as prehistoric in the water. They are dark birds, but they have pretty aquamarine eyes on an orange face with a mouth that is bright blue inside (although I haven’t captured an image with their mouth open enough to see the blue mouth).
Double-crested Cormorant