9 Septermber

 Summer is clinging to the Wetlands and Forest.   It doesn't feel as hot, but everything shows the effect of prolonged drought.

No doubt, one day Mount Arrowsmith will again have a mantle of snow, but for now, it's a rocky massif.

The forest is affected.   Trees are falling despite the absence of wind.

This alder was been broken off, apparently for some years, and abundant new growth has emerged from the top of the breach.

The foliage is changing to autumn colours, although it's not clear whether from drought stress or seasonal change.

Mosses continue to flourish.

Viewed from an angle, this log and moss growth looks a bit like a Muppet, green shaggy hair and a slack jaw.  (I wonder if Jim Henson walked in forests for inspiration?)

The banana slug continues to take its time crossing the path...

...and a meadowhawk rests on this sword fern.

The very determined bald-faced hornets continue their construction project.

At the time of this photo, their nest was about the size of a volley-ball.  We didn't loiter to watch their efforts.  

The water level in the marsh continues its inevitable descent,

despite which, the marsh still has water.  The peat remains an effective and invaluable sponge.

Unfortunately, bullfrogs remain among the persistent survivors of the drought.

This youngster looks to be studying a leaf from a pondweed.

The boatmen are still present in the remaining water.

Very lively dragonflies abound.

Blue dashers are among the most common and widespread dragonflies in North America.  They are certainly the most abundant at the Marsh.  Although they may be common, it seems that to describe a creature so colourful and so agile as "ordinary" is to do them an injustice.

The Forest and Wetlands may be feeling the effects of drought, but their magic endures.