Blood Farm, Oil Creek State Park
| For everything there is a season. “But what if the region experienced all the seasons within the past few weeks?,” I asked myself. Before the calendar pages turned to the official first day of fall on Sept. 21 there were signs of the season. Leaves started to change colors and drop in early September. Acorns were falling when still green at the end of August. At the beginning of autumn, I was sure the area wasn’t going to see much of a fall foliage display this year. A good number of leaves just dried up, turned brown and left their branches. I scoffed at a few internet articles that said that moderate drought conditions could prolong the fall foliage season. My point seemed to be proven when some much-needed rain turned the forest green again after some early color. The rain and wind left many trees bare of leaves. Other trees and plants started to turn green again. Pennsylvania’s DCNR’s fall foliage report for Oct. 23 to 29, listed Venango County as having reached peak color already. |   Oil Creek  |
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.
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.
Oil Creek State Park
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.
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.
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.
Blood Farm, Oil Creek State Park
| Driving to and from work, there were still some awesome colors. There were pockets of brilliance here and there on our daily treks. While the maple in the front yard didn’t glow as golden as in past years, there was still some yellow. Meanwhile the red maple in my parents’ yard did not fail to produce a bright display. It was accompanied by some other maples that in other years had been bare by the time the red maple changed. I stopped earlier in October to capture some photos from the Blood Farm area in Oil Creek State Park. All week long I wanted to pause and photograph the scenery. I only found time on Friday evening and wouldn’t the sky have to be overcast. Still some colors shown through. Like at home, there were spots with bare trees and then pockets of spectacular color. Drought and frost While the rain may have helped some trees, drought conditions continued to affect the region. |   Oil Creek State Park |
The U.S. Drought Monitor released on Sept. 25 had all of Venango County in moderate drought. However, the report out on Oct. 16 had the northern third of Venango County in severe drought. The newest monitor release continued this pattern. All of Warren and McKean counties also remained in severe drought.
Meanwhile, low water levels had Kinzua Dam officials pleading for more rain on the dam’s Facebook page.
They provided some records for pool elevations at the dam.
“For those who are interested, the Allegheny Reservoir's record low pool elevations are: Jan. 25, 1968: 1268.21 feet, Feb. 23, 1979: 1268.25 feet and March 13, 1978: 1268.42 feet.
Meanwhile, low water levels had Kinzua Dam officials pleading for more rain on the dam’s Facebook page.
They provided some records for pool elevations at the dam.
“For those who are interested, the Allegheny Reservoir's record low pool elevations are: Jan. 25, 1968: 1268.21 feet, Feb. 23, 1979: 1268.25 feet and March 13, 1978: 1268.42 feet.
Oil Creek State Park
| At 8 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2025, the Allegheny Reservoir was at 1299.08 feet elevation. On Oct. 24, 2025, the reservoir was 1297.13 feet “We are below our normal winter pool level of 1305’ feet. We will continue to drop the reservoir because we have a downstream low flow augmentation requirement we must meet in addition to our requirement for flood storage capacity. Our water management team in Pittsburgh makes the daily decision on where to place our gates based upon the forecast of the cumulative impact of 16 reservoirs that contribute to the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers to form the Ohio river in Pittsburgh. We definitely need a lot more rain,” the post concluded. Further south in Clarion County, the Pale Whale Canoe Fleet closed for the season on Oct. 6 citing very low and cold water conditions on the Clarion River. The year-to-date precipitation level for Franklin on Oct. 26 was unsurprisingly below normal, according to National Weather Service data. This year’s number was 33.99 inches which is lower than the normal of 38.92. This level was low despite Franklin receiving 2.06 inches of rain on Oct. 8. Before the rains, Oil Creek and the Allegheny were lower this year than in 2024. |   |
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.
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.
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.
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“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.
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.
Other indications of fall came in late August.
Area bucks started to shed their velvet by the end of August. This year’s fawns began to lose their spots. Soon the does separated themselves from the bucks. By early October some testosterone induced sparing could been seen on the trail cameras.
Meanwhile, Penn State has a rut tracker that traces deer movement over the years.
“So far this year, female movements are far below average. Although not that far outside what has occurred in prior years, so far females in 2025 are moving the least that we’ve observed over the past 13 years,” said a post on the site.
“So far this year, female movements are far below average. Although not that far outside what has occurred in prior years, so far females in 2025 are moving the least that we’ve observed over the past 13 years,” said a post on the site.
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.
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.
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.
Cedar wax-wing 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.
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.
While the acorns were falling in early fall, the squirrels seemed to depart the bird feeders. This wasn’t due to migration. They had no doubt laid siege to my parents’ hickory tree. Hull and nuts could be found far away from where any hickory tree was located.
Acorns
I waited all summer for an opportunity to photograph a monarch or two. Some had been glimpsed here and there while driving or furiously flitting by.
I finally snapped a photo of one of the orange and black beauties on a Sept. 26 trip to Benezette. The elk we sought didn’t make an appearance that day. Temperatures were pretty warm. Additionally, a healthy acorn crop most likely kept the large mammals under forest cover.
I finally snapped a photo of one of the orange and black beauties on a Sept. 26 trip to Benezette. The elk we sought didn’t make an appearance that day. Temperatures were pretty warm. Additionally, a healthy acorn crop most likely kept the large mammals under forest cover.
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.
“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.
Oyster mushrooms
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 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.
 Birch polypore |  Possible American yellow agaric. |
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.
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.
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
Look above for a photo of every colorful tree I found and some other late summer, early fall scenes.
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