Field Guide

Common migrants with spiffy black masks, waxwings gather in trees to nosh on berries and other small fruits. Listen for their high-pitched, thin whistles.

Clusters of bright white tufted flowers are a hallmark of this common late-blooming wildflower. People call it a weed, but it’s a banquet for pollinators.

Their cool name alone makes them an October feature. This large group of “base-model” beetles are overlooked, fascinating, and important in many surprising ways.

This month, the name seems kind of creepy! A favorite for fall color, black gum is grown statewide for its deep-red, glossy leaves and handsome blue-black fruits.