​According to National Weather Service data for Franklin, May was slightly warmer than normal this year. The average temperature was 58.5 degrees, which was above the normal average of 56.6 degrees. ​

Remembering back to freezing temperatures, lows ranged from 30 to 31 degrees for May 3-5 for Franklin. 

Again, I found some missing and or possibly duplicate data for the month. There was recorded a high of 90 degrees on both May 19 and 20 for Franklin, according to the weather service information. ​

​Franklin ended May with a stretch of six days without rain. This trend continued for six days in June with only a trace of .002 inches on June 7 followed by three more dry days.

May did finish the month with 4.28 inches of rain which was slightly above the normal 4 inches. ​

Pictures and prose … on certain posts one outweighs the other.

​That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. ​

​The accumulation-to-date for Jan. 1 through May 3 was also above the normal with a total of 15.63 inches so far this year compared to the normal of 13.56 inches. ​

​A look at the water levels on the Allegheny River in Franklin from United State Geological Survey’s gauges displayed exactly how the April showers peaked out.

Clarion’s precipitation totals for April came in at 5.30 inches above the normal of 4.05 inches, according to weather service data.
​
In comparison, Pittsburgh’s April total was 3.46 inches which was slightly above the normal of 3.32 inches.

​However, again, there was some missing data on the Franklin and Clarion weather statistics.
Meanwhile, it appeared as if the April showers would continue into early May.
​
“After a dry end to our weekend, light shower chances rise tonight (Sunday, May 3). Large stretches of Monday are likely dry, only intermittently broken by isolated showers or storms. Rain chances rise significantly by midweek as showers and storms along a cold front bring more widespread and intense rain,” said a post on the National Weather Service Office in Pittsburgh’s Facebook page.

​In addition to being wet, April was also warm.

The highest highs this April for Franklin were reported as 82 degrees on April 5, 6, 17 and 19, according to National Weather Service data. The average temperature for the month came in at 56.6 degrees, which was above the average of 47.4 degrees. 

​Clarion’s average temperature for April came in at 53.5 degrees, which was above the normal of 46.4 degrees, according to the data. 

The city’s average temperature was reported as 58.7 degrees for the month of April.
However, the lows around April 20 were damaging. A couple of posts from Pennlive.com reported that the freezing temperatures destroyed the crops of some Pennsylvania fruit growers. 

An orchard in Lebanon County closed for the 2026 season, the site reported. This was the orchard's first closure in 40 years. 

"The freeze on April 20 destroyed all fruit crops, including peaches, apples, and cherries. Statewide, losses for some growers are estimated at 90 to 100 percent. Gov. Josh Shapiro plans to visit affected growers and is seeking federal disaster assistance, including crop insurance support," the post continued. 
​
According to National Weather Service data, Dubois recorded lows of 27 and 21 degrees on April 20-21. Pittsburgh's low for April 20 was 34. Franklin's low was set at 31 for April 20. 
Just as the rain continued into May, unfortunately so did the cooler temperatures. ​

​“The weather favors below normal temperatures the first two weeks of May,” the office posted.
Then came the frost and freeze warnings.
Weather data recorded a low of 30.9 degrees early May 3, for Franklin and 28 degrees in DuBois. 

The Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for May 10 to 16 agreed with the Pittsburgh office’s post on the chillier start for May. It predicted below normal temperatures and above average precipitation for this period.
However, the center’s predictions for May 16 through May 29 called for above average temperatures and below average precipitations. 

​At the end of April, I was able to snap a shot of a white-throated sparrow in the yard.

They were described as an uncommon migrant and occasional winter visitor by local birder and author Gary Edwards in his book “Birds of Venango County.” The birds have been seen in the region from late April to May and from late September to November, Edwards wrote.

​ He added that the birds nest in the Canadian and Alaskan tundra south through the mountains of the western U.S.

​An Eastern Towhee, listed as a common summer resident by Edwards, had been making appearances in the yard as well. I heard one calling several weeks earlier. I have yet to grab a photo.
​
Finally in early May, I ambushed a gray catbird at the oriole feeder. The catbird was described by Edwards as a common summer visitor who arrives in April and departs by late October. 

I captured another summer bird resident upon its return to the region. The rose-breasted grosbeak arrives in late April and departs by late October, according to Edwards. ​

​The thrush is the earliest thrush to appear in the spring and latest to leave in fall, Edwards wrote in his book.

According to map posted on the All About Birds site, our region is close to intersection of different ranges for the thrush. Those designations include migration, year-round residency and breeding ranges. The range for year-round residency seems to follow the Appalachian Mountains. Edwards mentioned in his book that the thrush prefers at higher elevations.
​
My first photo of a yellow-rumped warbler for the year wasn’t as successful. A black, white and yellow blur was pictured among young maple leaves. 

​This common migrant can be seen from April 23 to Nov. 28, according to Edwards. The warbler’s breeding range is in north central and northeastern part of Pennsylvania. 

Just as more birds returned and more flowers bloomed, more butterflies were on the move during the warmer days. April's showers helped alleviate any drought conditions in the region. The precipitation and warmth no doubt aided in the greening up in the area.

​Will May continue to bring spring? May-be, May-be-not. That's just the nature of things 'round here. 

According to local author Gary Edwards in his book “Venango County Birds” the earliest recorded sighting of an oriole in the county was April 24.

The orioles arrive in late April and depart in mid-September, according to Edwards.

According to the website The Journey North ​there were sightings of orioles reported on April 6 in New York City and on April 5 in Oregon, Ohio.
​
On April 22, an oriole was sighted in Franklin according to the website’s map.
​
“The peak of oriole migration occurs from mid-April through mid-May. The first Baltimore orioles are reaching Texas, and by the month's end, a few are reaching the central states,” the site said.

Earlier in April, several purple finches popped up on the bird camera. Reports on the finchnetwork.org indicated that it may be an irruption year for them. Several Facebook posts on some birding pages reported an uptick in the brightly colored birds. 

​Trail cameras in the area had captured photos of foxes and raccoons in the vicinity. Neither the geese nor the ducks have been seen during our daily walks lately. ​

​The camera equipped feeder was greatly missed. A rather large and perhaps chunky gray squirrel kept visiting the feeder’s prior location. It would look at the house with confusion as to why the food source had been removed.
​
On April 22 the bear returned, caught on camera by ailing bird feeder camera. The replacement bird feeders were inside, and the camera feeder was empty. The bear’s visit was a little too close for comfort as it was only feet from our side steps. Unlike the bear’s previous visit, the dogs were on duty with warning barks. I resumed my duty of taking in the bird feeders at night.

​I may have missed the grand display of my flowering crab apple tree this year. However, April showers, or rather downpours and a hailstorm may have degraded its usual spring show. 

​In the woods and yard, violets, violets and more violets colored the landscape.

​They displayed various colors from purple to white and yellow. A beautiful patch created a lovely exhibit in the yard. The tiny flowers flourished because mowing was delayed because of precipitation and saturated ground. One of the violets that was easy for me to identify was the halberd-leaved violet because of its distinctive leaves and yellow color.

A couple of sites I found helpful in identifying violets were midatlanticnature.blogspot.com and extension.psu.edu.

In the woods, the lady slippers were out of the ground with leaves. There were possible bog or round pad orchids up. I waited last year for a bloom that didn’t happen. I hoped that this year would be the year for them to flower and help me identify them.

The trailing arbutus was out in early April and was done blooming by mid-month.

May apples made an early appearance in April. They were soon carpeting the forest floor with their umbrella-like leaves.
​
Service berry blooms and hawthorn flowers brightened up the landscape with their white blossoms. 

​Back at the neighbor’s pond, the frogs were out in the warm weather. When I went to get water sample from a vernal pool by the pond, I came up with a cup of tadpoles. They were returned. However, the vernal pool at reclaimed strip mine was not doing so well. It had salamander eggs and despite the rain it was dry by April 25. 

​Data indicated that March was warmer and wetter than normal. However, the data recorded by the National Weather Service’s station at the Venango Regional Airport appeared to be a little off.
​
The data said the average temperature for the month was 57 degrees, which was above the normal of 45.6 degrees. However, there were three days of highs at 77 degrees that were reported.

In comparison, March data for Pittsburgh revealed an average temperature of 53.8 degrees which was above normal of 49 degrees. 

​The precipitation for March was recorded as 4.38 inches, which was above the normal of 3.36 inches, according to the National Weather Service data.

​The accumulation to date for April 18 was reported as 13.38 which was above the normal of 11.78 inches for that date. The U.S. Drought Monitor report released April 23 showed that no drought designation was listed for the region. Only the southeastern part of Pennsylvania showed any drought issues. 

​So far April showers have added up to 6.83 inches of rain which was above the normal of 4.15 inches, according to weather service data.
Graphs from the United States Geological Survey showed that area waterways got several boosts from all the rainfalls.
Weather service data reported 1.58 inches of rain in Franklin on April 16 alone. 

​Despite the warmer and wetter weather, there were a few cold days. A look back at some trail camera photos over the past week saw me in a winter jacket one day and shorts on in another. Goats, Milo and Earl, were happy to find new greenery to eat. The dogs swam in the pond and hunted frogs. 

​While I waited for the hummingbirds to return, there were plenty of spring blooms for photo subjects. In fact, I was able to enter a couple of pieces in a recent art show celebrating the blossoms. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

Clem and Gus just wanted to step out of the way. Earl fled the scene. ​

​I waited and gave them some reprieve before trying again. However, they are never completely safe from my dogged determination for costumed critters. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

​After all the commotion, it seemed that communities in the region were spared major damage from the ice jams.
WPXI’s Scott Harbaugh reported on his Facebook page on Feb. 24 that Riversedge Campground in Armstrong County sustained damage.
“Ice jam flooding brought the river way out of its banks destroying many summer homes at the campground. The owners are working as hard as they can to make sure, they'll be ready to open for the start of the season in April,” the post said.

​A little closer to home, the ice movement did take a toll on Oil City’s ice control device.
The Oil City Firefighters reported on Feb. 23 that they were “aware that one of the device’s pontoons has broken off. Its location has been identified, and we are actively working with the appropriate agencies to safely retrieve it.”

​Further east, it was a few days later before the ice action amped up. Reports said an ice jam had formed along the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County. The jam was causing many tributaries to back up, and a flood advisory was posted on Feb. 24.
​
Reports said that the jam forced the frozen water upward to create ice mountains 

A Feb. 28 post on the Saluda Standard Sentinel website, explained the formations.
“Officials and observers say the phenomenon occurred when moving ice along the river became clogged, creating a jam that trapped water and pressure underneath. As the pressure increased, large sections of ice were driven vertically, erupting into jagged mounds that in some places rival the height of a single-story building,” the post said.

​An internet search found that the ice cleared out around March 3.
Locally, the rivers and creeks in the region were mostly free of the ice a few days after the jams. There were still some large chunks along the banks, but they, too, disappeared with warmer weather.

​There was some ice cover on the neighbor’s pond in Pinegrove Township on March 5 and by March 6 it was ice-free.

Meanwhile, weather stats reported a deficit in precipitation for February.
​
The accumulation for Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 was at 3.43 inches, which was below the normal 5.93 inches, according to National Weather Service data. 

While February wasn’t as snowy as normal, it was colder. The average temperature was 35.4 degrees, which was below the normal of 36.3 degrees.

The lowest low was -8 degrees on Feb. 9. According to weather service data, the lowest low for that date was -13 on Feb. 9, 1948.
​
The highest high for February 2026 was 59 degrees on Feb. 21, which fell short of a 70-degree high on that date in 2018. 

​As meteorological spring began both Pittsburgh and Erie reported in on this year’s winter weather.
A post by Dakota Hunter on Erie News Now’s Facebook page said that the city was low on snow this winter. 

​“Meteorological winter is December, January, and February. Throughout those three months, our average temperature (highs/lows combined) was 26.3, down about 4 degrees. While we had quite a bit of snow, we were actually in a deficit of over 16 inches for the winter season.

​Remember, our ‘seasonal snow’ sits at 69.4 inches, which is data that is taken from July 31 to June 30,” Hunter posted.

​A graphic included in the post explained that in the winter of 2024 the city’s average temperature was 28.8 degrees and there was a total of 72 inches of snow.
​
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh posted on its Facebook page that the city had experienced its coldest winter since 2014-2015, based on mean average temperature. 

The mushroom, scientifically known as Dacrymyces chrysospermus, is a gelatinous fungus that typically grows on decaying conifer wood and is known for its bright orange color, according to internet reports.

“The orange jelly mushroom appears to ooze from cacks and hollows in old conifer wood logs and stumps. It’s one of our most common species and it grows from spring all the way into early winter,” wrote author Bill Russell in his book the “Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic.”
​
Russell mentioned that the mushroom is edible. Other reports indicated that some use it for home remedies or tinctures. 

​Adding to the color of the mushroom were some butterflies.

About half-a-dozen were sighted during the warmer weather on March 10. I thought they would reappear the next day, but windy conditions most likely hampered their ability to take flight.
​
There were at least five or so mourning cloak butterflies flitting around. They were cooperative about letting me capture some photos. 

​“This fascinating species is often considered a harbinger of spring due to its early appearance in the season. In fact, some mourning cloaks have been observed to live up to a year, making them one of the longest-lived butterfly species in North America,” said a post on What’s That Bug?. 

​As mentioned, there weren’t a lot of flowers and plants to feed on. This wouldn’t affect the mourning cloaks.
“Adult mourning cloaks nectar on tree sap, rotting fruit, or even carrion rather than flowers,” the post continued.

“One fascinating aspect of the mourning cloak butterfly is its overwintering behavior. Instead of migrating to warmer areas or dying off, they overwinter as adults, hiding under tree bark or in crevices. This enables them to be among the first butterflies seen in spring,” the post said.
​
I spotted an eastern comma butterfly as well. It was not very cooperative. When processing the photos to crop out the background, I had difficulty finding the photo subject. 

​However, as the warmth faded and the snow came, the butterflies went back into hiding. They reappeared on March 21 for a sunny day with temperature in the mid-50s.
​
During the warmup earlier in March, spring peepers were heard making their music during the evenings. During the cold spell, the frogs went silent only to sing again around the first day of spring. 

​There was some wood frog activity as well. They could be heard croaking in the pond and vernal pools on warmer days. However, efforts to get good photos of them failed. I captured the results of their actions, or rather eggs, in a vernal pool. 

​There were spotted salamander eggs in the pool, too.
​
“The spotted salamander usually lives in mature forests with ponds or ephemeral vernal pools for breeding sites. Vernal pools are suitable breeding sites … as they dry often enough to exclude fish that eat the salamander eggs and larvae, while retaining water long enough to allow amphibian larvae to complete development and metamorphose into terrestrial adults,” said a post on Wikipedia.

​“As larvae, they are usually light brown or greenish yellow. … In two to four months, the larvae lose their gills and become juvenile salamanders that leave the water. Spotted salamanders have been known to live up to 32 years and normally return to the same vernal pool every year,” the post continued.
​
As adults they are dark brown in color with distinctive yellow or orange spots. They reportedly have a symbiotic relationship with a type of algae.

I have never seen an adult spotted salamander. I did “catch” and release a larva from the pool last year for a photo.

​While searching for some wood frogs at the neighbor’s pond, I spooked some wood ducks. The brightly colored ducks disappear whenever we even come into view.
​
The mallard couple made one of their yearly stops at the pond during the cold spell. They, too, left as the dogs and I arrived.

​A pair of Canada geese made and appearance at the pond before the mid-March snow. They fled the scene when Jeb got too close for comfort. A trail camera photo appeared to depict me telling the dogs not to disturb the geese so I can capture some photos. Jeb was good at first and then tried to sneak around the pond to reach the geese. They took flight.

Back at the bird feeder, the grackles and the brown-headed cowbirds were back. The numbers of the dark-eyed juncos were dwindling as the winter bird gets ready to depart for their breeding grounds.

During the snowy days the bird feeders were flooded with birds of all kinds.

One was a white-throated sparrow. This common migrant and winter visitor arrives in mid-September and departs in late May, according to local author Gary Edwards in his book “Birds of Venango County.”
​
Edwards noted that the region is west and south of the expected white-throat breeding range in Pennsylvania. There was a probable breeding record in President Township that was never confirmed. However, Edwards pointed out that there was still a possibility of the bird’s range expanding into Venango County. 

The spring weather so far has been flighty like the birds, butterflies and others. The warmth was here one day and gone the next. The snow was here one day and gone the next few. During the transitions lion-like winds would roar through the region. However, the days are getting longer, and nature is marching forward no matter what the weather.

​That's the nature of things 'round here. 

​From frigid to foggy, travel along the trail was tricky at times. We were slipping and sliding away for days at a time. 

​A packed down path was helpful sometimes, but other times was downright difficult. While we had snow earlier this winter, a more-than-generous amount fell on Jan. 25 and stuck around until Feb. 18.

​Locally, my homestead received almost a foot of snow. The first few days of breaking a trail were exhausting for me. Jeb and Clem opened a little bit of the way but often strayed off course. Gus, the Saint Bernard, walked closely behind me letting me do all the path making work. He then decided I was going too slow and kept stepping on the back of my feet.

​Not-so-long-legged goats, Earl and Milo, definitely followed in my footsteps due to their limited clearance. However, Earl grew impatient some days. He, too, would step on my feet or try to eat the tabs on my boots.

​In fact, he managed to find two shed deer antlers in the snow. Clem also found one and then Jeb stole it. All found antlers were then transferred to the house and dog kennel where they occasionally get chewed on. 

​One of the bigger bucks that appeared on my trail cameras was down to one horn on Feb. 6 this year and I believed he lost it by the next week. Last year, he still had one horn on Feb. 23. 

​Trail camera photos showed that there was still a local 8-point holding onto his antlers on the last day of February. Later photos revealed that he continued to maintain his headgear until March 6. 

Meanwhile, the other bucks were hard to differentiate from the does. Posts on a WMU 2F Facebook groups said some bucks had already shed their antlers after rifle season.

​However, it should be noted that the wildlife management unit extends from Venango County all the way to the New York border. That included many different areas. 

​Nonetheless, warmer weather gave me a reprieve from slipping and sliding. By Feb. 18 the part of the trail that was on higher ground was clear of snow. It took until Feb. 19 for the rest of our path to be free from snow.

​I felt liberated for the first time in three weeks. It was like ankle weights had been taken off. I was able to travel wherever I wanted, not just on the beaten path. It was ironic how the snowpack affected my daily duties.

​No snow meant that gates and doors would open and close like they were supposed to. I was able to just walk around the house to fill the bird feeders and not have to be relegated to the cleared areas.    

​With the absence of the snowpack, Earl and Milo were overjoyed to be wandering off the trail to find some windfalls. Strong winter winds had felled some delicious evergreen branches.
As the snow disappeared, other things appeared. 
​
The dogs were thrilled that copious amounts of critter poop and dead things had been unveiled.

​With the warmup, I impatiently waited for things to green up. Facebook memories showed me that by Feb. 9, 2024, my snowdrop flowers were up and open. This year I didn’t catch a glimpse of them until Feb. 21.

​Last it was Feb. 28 for my first sighting of these spring flowers. After a few warmer days in March, I was surprised to seek catkins on a hybrid pussy willow shrub that I had purchased from a garden center years ago. 

​Meanwhile, in the wetlands, skunk cabbages appeared the last week of February. They melted their way through the snow to bloom.
​
I hoped to take a life lesson from the wildflower to make my way through the snow until spring. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

​Earlier this week a certain prognosticating groundhog’s proclamation was met with anger and frustration from some folks. On Monday, Punxsutawney Phil declared that we would see six more weeks of winter.  

​Threatening memes and many angry emojis flooded social media over his prediction. 

A post from explorevenango.com on Jan. 26 claimed that parts of Clarion and Venango counties received nearly two feet of snow.

The article said Gov. Shapiro “noted that while Clarion County’s 23-inch report led the state, neighboring counties also saw significant totals. In Venango County, a report from southeast of Clintonville reached 22 inches, matching the intensity seen in Jefferson County, where areas near Sigel also clocked in at 22 inches. Other significant reports included 17.5 inches in Brookville and 16 inches in Punxsutawney.”

​“It's official: January 2026 was the coldest January since 2014 for Pittsburgh. It will go down as the 26th coldest January of all time in Pittsburgh with an average temperature of 23.4 degrees.

​This is still a ways away from the No. 1 spot of 11.4 degrees in January 1977,” the post claimed.
​
Nonetheless, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center offered some hope for warmer temperatures.

​ The center’s graphic for Feb. 10-14 said there was a 33 to 40 percent chance of above normal temperatures during that time

I have two pieces in the show. One featuring a hummingbird that goes with the show’s “On the Wing” category.
​
The other is the Louie Project. It is a “deer” piece that has been in the works for a while. Here’s a link to the back story on the project. 

​Franklin on Ice will definitely be “on ice” this year. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

​Things were very quiet in the woods as the cold and snow set in. On a whim I decided to take a few water samples and put them under the microscope. This meant breaking some ice to get to the actual water. To my delight, I discovered a lot of activity.

​More samples displayed a variety of diatoms. These stunning artistic diatoms belong to a very large genera of algae. 
​
It was nice to have some photo subjects who weren't frozen. It was good to know that while some woodland creatures are sleeping, others are busy surviving under the ice. That's the nature of things 'round here. 

​Moments can be caught with a click. The camera can freeze a point in time. Faster shutter speeds have made for hilarious photos. Animals were pictured with flying ears, wagging tongues and priceless expressions. 

​Milo, the goat, has become quite the expert on crazy looks. The tongue action was no doubt testosterone fueled as both Milo and Earl searched for love. The upturned lips and noses were basically signs of bucks in heat. 

​Their contorted faces made me think of the saying “your face will freeze like that.”

​A search of the internet reported that the saying dated back to the 1800s and may be rooted in folklore. The expression was reportedly used to caution children against making silly faces. It suggested that if a child made a face for too long, it might become stuck that way. There were a couple of variations of the expression. They included, “If the wind changes, you’ll stay like that,” and “If a fly lands on your face, it will stay that way.”

​With the click of a shutter, the camera froze the goats’ facial expressions that would have been lost to time. Their faces would “stay that way” as long as they were preserved on digital media.

​Meanwhile, the camera also nabbed some headbutting action. Poor testosterone fueled Milo and Earl, could have been sensing the female goats across the road. Those does are off limits to them. They turned their frustration on each other.

Daily walks were spent chasing and challenging each other. Frozen moments in time made the goats appear to be standing. Other shots netted the goats seemingly flying across the snow or streams. 

​However, the goats weren’t the only ones creating unique scenes. Flopping Saint Bernard jowls and flying bloodhound ears were frozen in awkward positions. 

​Daily dog battles resulted in very interesting action shots. 

​Sticks pushed up lips and created funny faces. Snow swirled under running paws. 

​Meanwhile, the camera froze water dripping from icicles. A close-up crop of one of the droplets revealed a blurry reflection of trees.
Reflecting on December’s weather, Franklin ended the month with slightly above average precipitation of 3.46 inches compared to the normal of 3.36 inches, according to National Weather Service data from the station at the Venango Regional Airport. According to the data, December was snowier than normal with 15.8 inches compared to the average of 11.7 inches. 

​It was a little cooler than normal with an average temperature of 35.4 degrees which was below the normal average of 38.1 degrees. The lowest low was 4 degrees on Dec. 9. There wasn’t much competition for that low in recent years, but in 1917 a low of -6 degrees was recorded.

​A high temperature of 57 degrees was observed on Dec. 29 and 30, according to the data.

The U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Jan. 22 categorized all of Venango County as abnormally dry with Forest County and parts of Clarion County remaining in the moderate drought slot.
​
The accumulation to date for Dec. 31, 2025, was 41.83 inches which was lower than the normal of 46.33 inches, according to weather service data. 

​Meanwhile, a January Facebook post by the National Integrated Drought Information System depicted a graphic that predicted an end to drought conditions in Venango County from January through March 31. 

​Big pictures are made up of small details. That thought came from, of all places, quotes posted on the internet. I searched for inspiration about detailed photography. Two quotes appeared quite promising to me.

​A quote attributed to Sanford I. Weill, said, “Details create the big picture.”

Another quote said, “When you pay attention to detail, the big picture will take care of itself.”  That statement was attributed to Georges St-Pierre.

​The background of those quoted was surprising. I thought maybe the two statements were from artists or photographers. 

I was wrong.

Sanford I. Weill is the founder of Citigroup, a financier and philanthropist. Georges St-Pierre is a mixed martial artist.
​
Nonetheless, photography can help reveal intricate details that add up creating a bigger picture. 

​Close-up photos of mushrooms and fungus aided me in identifying them. The photos revealed textures and details that one might miss just walking by. Having a side-by-side comparison was especially helpful when looking up information in mushroom field guides.

​Pictures of the mushrooms’ undersides displayed the difference between gills and pores. A zoom lens was especially helpful with those fungi located 20 or more feet up a tree.
​
A closer look at the top of an old man of the woods mushroom displayed a unique surface. Photos of a few black trumpets revealed lovely patterns and textures. The photos were a little deceptive as the mushrooms aren’t that large.

​Meanwhile, I was able to see some pollen under the microscope. While, not fungus, the ghost pipe is a perennial wildflower that uses fungi to feed.

“Ghost Pipe is unlike most plants because it doesn’t rely on sunlight for energy. It doesn’t contain chlorophyll, so it doesn’t photosynthesize. Instead, it taps into fungi that connect to tree roots, getting nutrients indirectly from the trees,” said a post on naturalistguide.com. ​

Eventually cooler weather controlled the spread of the little critters. ​

“In the first two miles on Toms Run, we averaged 10 red eft newt per mile (npm). Once we picked up Ironwood trail, that declined drastically to a disappointing two newt per mile. But those adorable little salamanders in their orange suits really picked things up at the end, averaging 19.3333333 newt per mile for the final 1.5 once back on Tanbark and Toms Run,” the post stated.
​
“A whopping 53 red eft newts over 5.5 miles, with an overall average of 9.6363636364 newts per mile!,” the post concluded.

I surmised that I had roughly about that same average on my walk. We cover up to a mile on our daily treks. 

​However, sometimes we can get wrapped up in small details. With a few steps back the big picture comes into focus. At a glimpse, the ghost pipe is a unique tiny parasitic wildflower. A closer look at the plant may reveal a bigger medicinal benefit.
​
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

​What normally was a time of glee for me became a bittersweet memory. Unbeknownst to me, little goat, Shaymus, was ill and his sickness would claim his life.  

​What I thought was him looking down his nose at us, was a sign that he was suffering.

There was hope during his first trip to the vet. Unfortunately, there was not much improvement in his condition after treatment.

​We made the hard decision to let him have a final rest.

Looking back on his priceless photos, I decided to focus on what a character he was. 

​Meanwhile, as usual, Clem was a pro at posing during the Christmas chaos. 

​Originally, I had sought out senior feline Wiggles for the first photo shoot. Being the oldest one of our critters, she knew what was in store and went into hiding. ​

That didn’t exempt her though. It just postponed her humiliation for a few days. 

​Ernie was the best cat candidate. He was purring under protest. Here we called it “nervous purring.” A quick search of the internet revealed that cats can purr when stressed as a self-soothing mechanism. It is kind of like humans using relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Ernie purred through his whole ordeal. He might have needed therapy. 

​Ernie’s brother Timus expressed his disgust with the costuming catastrophe. He tried to hide in a box. His safe space wasn’t exempt.

This season, everyone could use some peace on Earth and goodwill towards Clem. However, during Jeb’s waking hours there is no goodwill towards Clem.

​That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.  

​These statistics were enhanced by information from Drought.gov. The site said that this November was the 26th driest November for Venango County on record since 1895. Their data stated that this November’s total was 2.06 inches which was a decrease of 1.12 inches from normal.

The U.S. Drought monitor report released Dec. 18 depicted the northern half of Venango County in moderate drought with the southern half listed as abnormally dry.  
​
Meanwhile, back in October, the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force announced that Beaver, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Schuylkill, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, and Washington counties were under a Drought Watch.  

​“The DEP makes drought declarations based on long-term trends. …, “said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley in the October news release.

In fact, NOAA and the National Weather Service’s winter outlook for 2025-2026 included a graphic that depicted that the drought would persist in our region through January 2026.
​
However, the National Integrated Drought Information System posted a graphic on Facebook on Dec. 18 of a three-month drought outlook. The map forecasted an end to the moderate drought in our region through March 31, 2026.  

The year-to-date precipitation from Jan. 1 to Dec. 20, was 40.46 inches which was below the normal average of 45.13 inches, according to National Weather Service data for Franklin.
Franklin received a little boost with .67 inches of rain on Dec. 19. Area waterways got a rise out of the rain and snowmelt.

Oil Creek at Rouseville jumped from 3.03 feet to over 6 feet on Dec. 19, according to the USGS’ water level chart at waterdata.usgs.gov. The creek crested a couple of times on Dec. 19 at 6.25 feet and 6.15 feet, before starting to recede Dec. 20.
​
The Allegheny River at Franklin rose from 4.29 feet to 7.05 feet on Dec. 19. The river crested at 8.14 feet early Dec. 20 before the levels started to fall. 

​Like November, December so far has been snowy and cold. Franklin received 3.5 inches of snow on Dec. 2, according to weather service data reported by a station at the Venango Regional Airport. According to the station, Franklin had 10.8 inches of snow up to Dec. 16. The normal total for this point was listed as 5.5 inches.
​
On Dec. 9, the low for Franklin was recorded at 4 degrees. This was the lowest temperature recorded for Franklin for 100 years, according to the data. However, going back to Dec. 9, 1917, the low was -6 degrees.
Franklin bottomed out at 5 degrees on Dec. 5 and Dec. 16. None of these appeared to be records for their respective dates. A low of 0 was recorded on Dec. 5, 1966. A low of -7 degrees was reported on Dec. 16, 1904. 

“Here's my call.... No White Christmas this year. Despite nearly 10 inches of snow this month, high temperatures will be mostly in the 40s for the week leading up to Christmas. We'll see more rain chances December 18-25 than snow chances,” Harbaugh posted.

​ “It seems our period of below normal temperatures will come to an end by Dec. 20 as the pattern shifts to a warmer pattern. Thus, above normal temperatures are expected through Christmas. This will mean rainfall events will be more likely than snow through this period,” the National Weather Service Office in Pittsburgh posted Dec. 15 on its Facebook page.

A post by weather.com’s senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman, claimed that a “white Christmas is likely only for the usual spots in the northern tier of the country and mountain West, with warming temperatures expected to eat away the impressive December snowpack in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.”
​
Erdman said, “… a general warming trend is kicking off in much of the country that will last into Christmas week. That includes the snow-covered, recently chilly Midwest and Northeast.”

A post by PA Weather Plus said a white Christmas was possible, but not imminent for Venango County.
A graphic stated that snow was “Very unlikely, but not *completely* ruled out. I am watching for a potential northwest-to-southeast sliding system that could bring accumulating snow sometime between Dec. 23 and 25.

​If this occurs before Christmas and it is cold enough; the White Christmas chance will increase. If the storm system does not happen or it tracks too far north and brings rain instead of snow, a White Christmas will not occur. This region has a 15 to 20 percent probability of a White Christmas, so a Christmas miracle is needed” the post said. 

​White Christmas or not, the first day of winter is Sunday, Dec. 21. It is the shortest day of the year and signifies the start of the winter season. However, meteorological winter began on Dec. 1.
​
Finally, the days will start to get longer. As of Dec. 14, the sun set at 4:52 p.m. By Dec. 25, the sunsets would be three minutes shy of 5 p.m. The sunsets began slowly getting a little later, but the sun wasn’t arriving as early in the morning. 

​For example, the sun rose at 7:34 a.m. Dec.  14, but by Christmas the sun won’t rise until 7:40 a.m.
Rain or snow, cold or warm, only Mother Nature knows and the rest of us will just have to deal with it. That’s the nature of things round’ here. 

​It has been said that Mother Nature is sometimes unforgiving. Trail cameras can also be unforgiving. Moments captured meant to depict serene wildlife scenes turned into possibly embarrassing photos -- as if the critters cared. From silly expressions to the occasional slip and fall, the game cameras capture them one and all. 

​While going through a year’s photos, I came across many that gave me a giggle.
​
There were so many interesting photos. I separated them into categories and composed a slide show for each genre. 

​Whether it was curiosity about the camera or vanity, several deer selfies were taken throughout the year.
Some were downright serious and stunning. It made me jealous because I often don’t get to take such detailed deer photos. My walking canine companions often don’t allow such opportunities. Nonetheless, the automatic cameras captured some beautiful photos. Their poses were very natural and not forced.  

​Other selfies were downright failures. Only bits and pieces made it into the pictures. Some selfies were definite photobombs of other animals’ cameos. Gazing at a year’s worth of photos I discovered that the deer were not the only experts at these pictures. A few birds go into the game as well including one irate looking bluebird. 

​Additional selfie efforts appeared to work out. However, many of them seemed to include a few exceptional facial expressions.  Some deer appeared to be annoyed with the camera’s presence. One appeared slightly disgusted with the weather. 

​Quite a few photo captures seemed to depict the critters sticking their tongues at the cameras. In their defense there may have been some “treats” or a salt lick in the area. A few does were caught in mid-chomp under the peach trees.  However, one bear appeared to be sticking its tongue out after destroying one of my bird feeders. 

​Sometimes the treats went missing. The bucket operates on a first come first served basis. There were looks and acts of desperation caught on camera. One photo included a disgruntled goat searching a wagon. 

​Occasionally, the bucket was filled with a squirrel. They had absolutely no consideration for other wildlife diners. There was a bear in the bucket one night. It laid right down and spent at least a half-hour clearing out some treats. 

​While no one was around when the bear was there, other critters deterred the approaching deer. There were photos that appeared to illustrate apprehension around raccoons. It seemed to me that the deer didn’t cross the smaller, yet feistier, critters. Even those armed with antlers dared not push the limits with the treat bandits.

​There were no physical altercations between deer and raccoons photographed. However, deer-on-deer violence was recorded. Some rambunctious goats were caught in the act as well. 

​There were a lot of deer rears on camera. It was almost as if they said, “Here’s my best side.”

​However, a few photos were a little more risqué. When nature called, it was on camera. Urination, defecation and random unmentionable body parts popped up on the camera cards. 

​Trail cameras have given me such an awesome glimpse of who or what uses our trails when we are not there. A few of the photos are downright artistic.  However, sometimes a random spider or a stick on a windy day can result in forty or more photos of the same image. 

That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. ​

For many months Milo was a lonely, only goat. Then he got some new herd mates whether he wanted them or not.
​
Milo had been at a loss after his life partner, Otis, passed away of a urinary stone this past spring.​

At the end of May, we hopped in the car and drove to a farm near Bellefonte to pick up two new kids. They were Nigerian dwarf goats born the first week of March.

​I expected a carful of screaming kids for the two-hour drive home. Earl and Shaymus just huddled in the back of the car and never made a peep. I saw this as a sign that things would go smoothly. That omen proved to be wrong. ​

​I naively expected Milo and the new kids to get along immediately. I placed them in the same pen and shed as Milo.
​
The first night did not go so well. There were false hopes that Milo was more scared than Shaymus and Earl. Milo discovered that the new kids were in “his” house. His bully goat switch was activated. Then the screaming started. No injuries were reported. The assaults appeared to be more verbal than physical. However, some headbutting was involved. 

​Shaymus and Earl were exiled to a smaller pen inside the goat enclosure. The verbal assault continued through the fence.  
​
However, after several weeks the goats got used to each other. They were able to share the same pen and housing. There still were flare ups, but those were just goat behavior. 

​Then, the hormones hit. Afraid of another loss from urinary stones, I had not gotten any of the bucks wethered or neutered. 

​Male goats like to wear their cologne for the ladies. This lovely perfume is pee. I’m not sure if the neighbor’s goats were in heat or the young bucks were just entering puberty. The goat pen was soon filled with the scent of urine. It was also the scene of much humping and bumping. The nights and days were filled with frustrated verbiage between the three.
​
Despite the three Billy Goats Gruff’s demeanors, I attempted to make them pets. 

​First, they were unsure of their surroundings and remained around the house and yard when let out of their pen. I foolishly thought that they could free range while I walked dogs. After a few calls and observances of the three “amigoats” on or near the road, they were locked up again. 

​I tried an alternative that revolved around an old commercial. I had my own take on the old ad slogan, “Behold, the power of cheese.” It was from a 1997 America's Dairy Farmers campaign.
​
I did not want to downplay the prowess of cheese. As a canine owner, the aforementioned food has helped several unwell dogs receive their medication.

​However, when it came to my goats, the saying changed to “Behold, the power of corn.”
Milo, with the aid of corn, allowed some very short physical contact. This had never been observed before.
It also helped some new kids come out of their shell. Pun intended.
​
However, the pursuit of corn meant for wildlife consumption united the goats in a common cause. 

​I did not want them to consume a lot of corn as it is more of a junk food for them. Armed with a baggy of corn and goat treats, the goats started to follow me. The corn meant they also didn’t fear the dogs as much. I was able to hand feed Earl, Shaymus and Milo. Milo would never let me get near him in the past. 

​The corn bag served as a motivation for creek crossings. Earlier this summer, the streams were dry and the efforts were not an issue. When the rains returned, the corn was used to coax goats to jump across the waters. 

​For weeks, the corn strategy appeared to work. Recently, it seemed that testosterone may have overridden the power of corn. Milo kept breaking out in a run and sometimes headed for the roadway. I tried to keep our walks away from the roads, but Milo continued to run with the other goats following suit. I was yelling and shaking the corn bag, but there was no response.

​I want the goats to enjoy some time outside their pen, but I may need to change my strategy. Shorter walks without the dogs may be needed along with some leashes.
​
The option of neutering is still on the table, but it would involve surgery since Milo is older.

However, if the screaming, running, bumping and humping continue, all the corn in the world won’t save the boys from the veterinarian. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

Nicole Chinnici, the laboratory director at the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania, was reported as saying there was an increase in ticks sent in for testing this season.

Chinnici told the Associated Press that this year has been "tickier" than usual, with more of these bloodsuckers being tested, according to the post. 

In the article Chinnici said that the most common species is the blacklegged (deer) tick, which is associated with the majority of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease … She added that there has been an increase in American dog ticks as well as Asian longhorned and lone star ticks. 
​
In the post claimed that the increase that Chinnici and her team are seeing at their lab is not an anomaly. “Warmer weather is helping ticks and other disease-spreading vectors to survive for longer periods through the year, giving them more time to breed. Higher temperatures are also helping ticks spread north and west to new parts of the U.S. and Canada,” the article stated. 

Day in and day out, the Applegate fur kids faced the creepy crawlies. Vaccinations helped but weren't always the cure all. Clem had some phantom hip pains, and it turned out he had Lymes disease even though he was vaccinated against it. Recently, a blood test revealed that Gus had Lymes disease despite having the vaccination. The moral of this story was that a blood panel may be the answer to mysterious ailments. The test cost under $90 at a local veterinarian clinic. 
​
Pet owners can try everything, but there still may be dangers hiding in small packages. That's just the nature of things 'round here.

The district manager in Cornplanter State Forest serving northwestern Pennsylvania said that parts of Erie County lagged a little behind … “Most of the other district counties, including Crawford, Venango, Warren, and Forest are declining.” 
​
However, it was reported that forestry staff in Clear Creek State Forest (serving Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Mercer, Clarion, Jefferson, and Venango counties) were looking forward to another colorful week in the woods! Peak fall color will last one more week in much of west-central PA as oak trees continue to turn gold, rusty brown, and dark red. 

​The district manager in Cornplanter State Forest serving northwestern Pennsylvania said that parts of Erie County lagged a little behind … “Most of the other district counties, including Crawford, Venango, Warren, and Forest are declining.” 
​
However, it was reported that forestry staff in Clear Creek State Forest (serving Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Mercer, Clarion, Jefferson, and Venango counties) were looking forward to another colorful week in the woods! Peak fall color will last one more week in much of west-central PA as oak trees continue to turn gold, rusty brown, and dark red. 

​In the previous week’s (Oct. 16 to 22) overview the DCNR reported that some chilly nights last week helped more colors develop throughout Pennsylvania forests. With morning lows for the next few days expected to be consistently in the 30s and 40s, that trend should accelerate.

​For much of the Commonwealth, recent rain has also helped keep some leaves on trees while helping them to shed some brown, increasing the quality of colors.

On Oct. 17, 2024, Oil Creek at Rouseville was at 2.27 feet compared to 1.77 feet this year.
The Allegheny River at Franklin was at 3.95 feet last year and only 3.28 feet this year.
Total rain accumulation for the month of September was 2.66 inches, which again, was below the normal of 3.94 inches, according to the National Weather Service.  ​

​Nonetheless, while Franklin saw above average temperatures for most of September, there were some dips. However, October brought the possibility of frost.
​
While the temperature reached 82 degrees on Oct. 8, a low of 33 degrees was reported on Oct. 17.
On Sunday, the National Weather Service Office in Pittsburgh posted on its Facebook about stopping freeze and frost warnings with the end of the growing season.

​“After experiencing multiple frost/freezes across the area in recent days, and in collaboration with neighboring NWS offices, we have ended the growing season for our area of responsibility. Frost/freeze products will resume in Spring 2026,” the post said.

Yourerie.com posted a freeze warning effective Sunday night into Monday morning.

“Crawford and Southern Erie Counties are affected, including the cities of Warren, Jefferson, Meadville, Edinboro, Union City, and Titusville.  Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 22 expected, the post said.  
​
Online the Old Farmer’s Almanac reported that the median date of Franklin’s first fall frost was Oct. 17.
However as of Oct. 26, I still had a few roses and dahlias blooming. But I did suspect that the area had experienced some patchy frost days earlier. 

Seasonal signs?
Other indications of fall came in late August.

Some of their movements of lack of, may have to do with where the food is. 

​This year, like last year, there was no shortage of acorns. In contrast, in my immediate area, there was a drought of apples.

While my peach tree fared well, my apple tree was barren. However, the deer were OK with enjoying some peaches instead of apples.

​I surmised that a later frost may have been to blame for the lack of apples. A review of weather stats revealed that Franklin saw a low temperature of 34 on May 10.

​Temperatures would quickly rebound to the mid-70s and low 80s within the next few days. I surmised that the peach tree, which blooms earlier, had set its buds before the frost. The apple tree blooms must have succumbed to the lower temps and failed to produce fruit. 

To the skies
​
Other signs of the seasonal change included the arrival and departure of several winged friends.
​
In early September the hummingbird feeder was still buzzing with three or four visitors. Then within a week the number dropped to one and then none. My last hummingbird visitor was seen feeding on some Mexican sunflowers on Sept. 26. 

Also leaving the hummingbird feeders were the yellow jackets and hornets that swarmed about.

I soon discovered that once some of the smaller wild asters bloomed that the bees flocked to their blossoms.


Weeks after the hummingbirds left, I observed and uptick in tufted titmouse visitors to the bird feeders.

While they are year-round residents, there seem to be more in the winter.

Later in the month, reports on Facebook birding pages reported the return of dark-eyed juncos.
​
I sometimes can get photos from the fall visits from flocks of cedar waxwings that feed on the fruits of the gum trees growing near the neighbor’s pond. Robins on the move also stopped to feed. I also saw several warblers but didn’t get a chance to see them long enough to photograph or identify them.​

Meanwhile, back home, the very next day I was able to capture two more photos of monarchs. One was feeding on wild asters and then the next day one visited the Mexican sunflowers in my garden. My last sighting this year for a monarch was Oct. 3.

A quick search of the internet found that most monarchs leave Pennsylvania in mid to late September, according to a post on Bird Watching HQ. 
​
“From there, it takes many weeks for them to reach their final Mexican destination. Most individuals arrive in early November,” the post continued. 

Another post on the subject at blog.entomologist.net provided a nice overview of monarchs in the state.

“In Pennsylvania, monarchs generally reach the state by May, where they lay eggs to produce successive generations. …. September is a significant month for monarchs in western Pennsylvania as they prepare for their migration to Mexico.

​The cyclical pattern of migration, mating, and breeding emphasizes the adaptability and ecological importance of the monarch butterfly population,” the post said.
“Monarchs born after August 15th in Pennsylvania do not reproduce but migrate south to return the following spring, it added. 

Fungus

The hot dry weather during the summer made those seasonal mushrooms hard to find.
Oyster mushrooms were plentiful in the early part of the summer still using the moisture in some dead wood. However, by late summer, any fungus that emerged one day, dried up the next. That was the case with the bioluminescent Jack-O-Lanterns. Some of them didn’t even make it to maturity before being desiccated in the dry heat.

Last year, I saw many, many patches of the orange mushrooms.
​
This year seemed to be the year for birch polypores. They appeared to thrive. I noticed several trees that were coated with the umbrella-shaped fungus.

Fall rains helped some fly agaric mushrooms arrive on schedule. 

​The mushrooms are common under pine trees in late fall in the east. They are not edible.  Still fighting with mushroom identification. I couldn’t decide if I was the yellow orange fly agaric, Amanita muscaria var. Formosa or Amanita muscaria var. guessowii, which is known as the American yellow agaric.
​
Meanwhile, recent rains have helped other late fall mushrooms emerge. I still don’t know what most of them were. 

Little rain fell. Temperatures were warm and cold. Autumn displays and other fall signs were affected. However, I did find some color here and there. The dryness may have dulled some displays, but it didn’t stop them.

That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.

Sunday's misty foggy conditions made the unseen seen.

Heavy dew settled on spider webs throughout the forest creating displays of droplets and silk.

One could truly appreciate the work of the eight-legged artists.

​It was nice to view the webs instead of wearing them. 

I usually ended up with the webs, their occupants and the remnants of spider meals across my face or covering my head. This was not enjoyable for any parties involved.

​However, the invisibility of the webs allowed the spiders to do what they do best. These are the tools that some spiders use to serve as nature's pest control. They help keep the insect population in check.  

Recently two cases of bugs gone bad have begun to affect areas near or in our region. A graphic with a story posted by Penn State Extension reported that Venango County had been added to the spotted lanternfly quarantine just this year.

​In other parts of the state, the infestation was so bad the bugs were spotted on radar. 

"This afternoon (again), the low reflectivity values shown on the radar imagery across the Pittsburgh region are bugs -- and most of them are more than likely lantern flies. Yuck!," said a September 16 Facebook post by PA Weather Plus, LLC.

While I have not yet spotted a spotted lanternfly, the invasion appeared imminent. 
​
These bugs have strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death, said the Penn State Extension post. 

Another insect was ravaging the deer population in Ohio. Reports indicated that Ohio may limit deer hunting due to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).

​As of Sept. 18, 2025, the public had reported nearly 7,500 dead or sick deer to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Internet reports pointed to culicoides midges as the culprits behind the deaths. The midges breed in moist environments near water sources.

​Environmental conditions, such as excessive rain followed by dry spells can create favorable conditions for midge reproduction, increasing the risk of EHD outbreaks, according to reports.  ​ 

A press release from the Pennsylvania Game Commission said the disease had been confirmed in several western counties and is being investigated in some southeastern counties.

​"Currently, EHD detections include: Butler, Erie, Lawrence, and Mercer counties," the commission said.
"EHD is spread by tiny biting midges or “no-see-ums”, that typically appear in late summer. They continue to remain a threat until a hard frost. Infected deer can show swelling of the face or neck, loss of appetite, weakness, lameness, and excessive salivation," the release continued.

The commission was asking the public to report any sick or deer, especially if multiple animals are found in the same area.
​
Folks can report these sightings by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD.

​Meanwhile, I attempted to identify some of these pest control artists. The spiders responsible for the ring-shaped webs were dubbed orb weaver spiders.

The spiders are common in the state and contribute significantly to the ecosystem, according to internet reports. 
​
The ones I had observed the most were marbled orb weavers. Their markings were distinctive. 

"​The webs are found in trees, shrubs and tall weeds, and grasses in moist, wooded settings and can frequently be found along the banks of streams. The webs are oriented vertically and have a 'signal' thread attached to the center that notifies the spider when prey has been captured," said a Penn State Extension post. 

I struggled to find the identification of a spider I had photographed at the pond's edge. I believed it to be a member of the Tetragnathidae family. The arachnids were also known as long jawed spiders. According to reports some species are often found in long vegetation near water.​

Orb weaver spiders are common in Pennsylvania and contribute significantly to the local ecosystem, said several internet reports. 

I believed the other two spiders I had recently photographed were also orb weavers.

A possible shamrock spider had netted a dragonfly dinner in its web located near the neighbor's pond. ​

​Recent patterns have given new meaning to the term “crisp” fall weather. Warmer temps and dry conditions had me treading on crunchy leaves for at least a week. They were dry, brittle and sunbaked. Nonetheless, the first day of autumn arrives on Monday and with it the possibility of precipitation. 

The total was still low despite the region seeing above average accumulation for much of May through July.
​
August’s weather station data for Franklin revealed that the region saw a decrease in precipitation. This August’s total was 1.18 inches which was below the normal of 4.24 inches. Interestingly, the hottest day of the month was Aug. 13 with a high of 92 degrees. It was also the day with the most recorded rainfall with a total of .48 inches. Most other days in August saw no accumulation.

So far for September, Franklin has received .49 inches.

The normal total for the entire month of September was reported as 3.94 inches by the National Weather Service.
​
The drought in precipitation meant that area water levels sank.

​Data from the United States Geological Survey said that area waterways were down slightly from last year at this time. The Allegheny River at Franklin was at 3.10 feet. In 2024, the river was at 3.24 feet. Oil Creek at Rouseville was at 1.65 feet this week. Last year, it was reported at 1.74 feet.

Several Facebook reports from Pale Whale Canoe Fleet, a canoe and kayak rental business in Cooksburg, kept repeating that the Clarion River was low.
​
“Canoes are limited to no more than two persons. These conditions aren't for everyone so please make the best decision for yourself -- it is very low and the water is cold. ... Keep your vessels as light as possible,” a post said.

​The Sept. 21 post reported the current river depth at 2.05 feet.

There were other signs that area water tables were low.
​
Travels past several area roadside springs that were still flowing revealed a hotbed of activity. Folks gathered what water they could but faced longer wait times as the once gushing pipes had slowed to a trickle. Some springs had no one around suggesting that they had dried up. 

​Hopefully, the impacts of the drought will be cut short by some much-needed rain. It was forecasted to arrive this week.
​
“Kiss the sunny days goodbye! … According to the European model, and other models that are also starting to suggest we'll see a series of systems that will bring rain starting early next week all the way through the following weekend, PaAction Weather LLC posted Sept. 19 on Facebook. A graphic accompanying the post predicted up to 2.35 inches for the Oil City area. 

Those effects include decreased honey production; hay and gain yields could be lower than normal; trees and landscaping are stressed; fish are also stressed; voluntary water conservation is requested; reservoir and lake levels are below normal capacity; and wildfires increase. 

​An accompanying graphic listed the region’s peak display as leaning toward mid-October. The graphic stated that the exact dates could be anywhere between Oct. 13 – Oct. 21.
​
A graphic posted by Uncovering PA also highlighted the second week of October for peak colors in our region.

Still yet, other Facebook posts touted the first week of October as the peak for foliage in the region.

The Pennsylvania DCNR hasn’t released its foliage reports quite yet, but they should be coming within a matter of days.  In 2024, the region’s best color reportedly started on Oct. 17.
​
A look back at some other reports saw that in 2018 Venango County hadn’t reached its best color until the last week in October. In contrast, the report for 2022 saw colors starting to fade by the third week in October. 

​We still have a few days to see just how much the higher temperatures and lower rainfall totals will impact our fall display. Many of the leaves I have seen have just turned brown and fallen to the ground. However, there were a few peaks of color here and there.

​That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. 

I haven’t seen any hummingbirds on the vine’s blooms. However, there were a few hanging out in the general area.

​However, folks were encouraged to keep feeders out until November for any stragglers or western hummingbirds that might stray into the region.

Until then, I decided to continue to stalk the feeders to capture the fast and the furious. That’s just the nature of things ‘round here. ​