It is hard to believe that we are already to September with the Changing Seasons Monthly Photo Challenge. I took time to review the preceding eight months of going to the reservation with the intent of “noticing” the changes, photographing what I noticed, and sharing images with you in the hopes that you, too, would fall in love with this wonderful, magical place. This month witnessed the apex of summer — North Chagrin is as lush as it will get, the flowers are going to seed, the first hints of autumn are emerging, birds are beginning their migration south — but it’s beauty and wonder never wanes for me. I tried to capture the feeling of this transition to autumn in the photos this month. Exciting for me is the fact that I saw and captured fowl that I have never seen before at the reservation. What fun! This month I organized the images into two galleries simply because I could not limit myself to just 20 (or less) photos of this place that I love so much. Please forgive my self-indulgence. North Chagrin Reservation is THE place I go to when I can (2 or 3 times weekly) to revive my soul and energies. 😉
First are images of the end of summer flora and fauna found at North Chagrin. Enjoy!
The second gallery depicts the profusion of birds that make North Chagrin Reservation their summer home, or maybe a “passing through” place between the wilds of Canada and points further south. I am excited to share these photos because there are many that are first time photo ops for me. One, the Green Heron, I have tried to capture (photo-wise) for years. This was the year for that beauty! But you will also see multiple shots of an Osprey, also a “first catch”, as is the Cormorant. Then there are the beautiful usual geese and Great Blue Heron (that has already headed south by now, I believe). The Red Winged Black Birds are ubiquitous year round. Enjoy!
So that does it for September! Next month will be full of autumnal colors, I am sure, as October will be the first full month of Fall. Thank you for stopping by and perusing the photos of this wonderful place. I hope you have enjoyed it.
Inspired Vision 
Fantastic galleries Cecila. It’s cool that you’ve managed to capture so many different birds in your photos. The plant photos and the squirrel are cool too.
Thanks CJ. I wanted to comment on each of your comments for this post but Rosh Hosannah is minutes away. I appreciate your taking the time to look and to make comments. I’ll see you next month! This is one of the best photo challenges I’ve ever done. Thanks for putting out the challenge.
Lovely photos. Especially the osprey!!
Thank you, Heyjude! I am soooooo excited about the Osprey. A first for me!!! Glad you liked them.
I’m thrilled you got such close shots! I have only ever seen one in Scotland and that was a mere pinprick until I was invited to look through a camera with a proper telephoto lens on it which was focused on a nest.
This is the closest I’ve ever been to one. Like you they were always far off, so much so that I was never quite sure it was an Osprey I was seeing. Then one day THIS Osprey came to “my” pond to do some fishing! 😉 What fun!
Look at all those birds. I feel like I entered heaven seeing them
It was indeed heavenly! This place is magical for me. 🙂
Great stuff! I’ll be visiting the US in Jan-Feb, it’ll be fun to see these animals again, especially squirrels.
Shana tova to you and yours!
Shana Tova!!! I hope you enjoy your trip. Let us know if you are going to be anywhere near to Cleveland. We would love to see you and hear about your travels.
I will be in Detroit, not sure that’s near enough to Cleveland…
Of course you couldn’t/shouldn’t limit yourself to just 20 photos with such a nature and so many beautiful photos. Lucky you to have that place (I presume) close to your home and be able to go there often. Gorgeous photos every single one.
Yes, this place is close to home. It is my “go to” place whenever I need to unwind or regroup. I’ve had fun photographing it through the year. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the photos.