Fall Sumach, watercolour, 2009

Sumach are so unique; they look like they were introduced from an exotic hotter climate. In fall their leaves turn bright red and the seed heads a deep burgundy.  These ones are part of an excellent patch growing against the rock cuts at Burleigh Falls, north of Peterborough.

Blue jays become very vocal in September. They are always quite boisterous and gluttonous at the feeders. One winter we had two dozen that ate so much we could hardly keep up.  They are striking birds with bright blue, black and white plumage.