Based on the astronomical definition of seasons, the autumnal equinox marks the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, that date is September 22 (@ 1:21pm). However, according to the meteorological definition of seasons, which is based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar, the first day of fall was on September 1.
The fall months are the best opportunity to view Fomalhaut – one of the brightest stars in the sky at this time of year.
Crips autumn air and a backdrop of fall colors is a great time to get outdoors. Observe nature at a local preserve. Go birdwatching. Take a tour of any of the area bike trails.
Read about the fall color exhibited by the leaves of New York trees. Read the Guide to Fall Colors in Upstate New York. Read about the science of fall colors.
When will fall colors begin and when will they peak? View The Fall Foliage Prediction Map.
Track the progress of developing fall colors across New York here.
- Fall foliage in the Capital Region: 12 best places to see leaves changing color
- Leaf Peeping Opportunities in Saratoga Springs
- Top 5 Spots for Fall Foliage in Albany
Forage for some wild edibles. Autumn marks the annual ripening of the fruits and seeds of many plants. For me, foraging each fall for ripened hickory nuts is an annual tradition. If you’d like to learn more about foraging for these tasty wild nuts, please view the Foraging for Wild Edibles webpage of this blog.
With the ongoing pandemic, any of the following in-person gatherings may be subject to postponement or cancellation – please verify before you attend. Online presentations are noted. All meteor shower viewings are on your own.
- Autumn Equinox Hike (September 22 @ 10:00am)
- Fall Equinox Hike (September 22 @ 4:30pm)
- Early Birds Birdwatching (September 23 @ 7:30am)
- Painting in Nature – Watercolor Workshop (September 23 @ noon)
- Wildlife Crossing (online event, September 23 @ 6:30pm)
- Birdwatching at Nutten Hook (September 25 @ 8:00am)
- Fringed Gentian Walk (September 25 @ 10:00am)
- Tales Told by the Rocks at Thacher Park (September 25 @ 11:00am)
- Painting in Nature – Watercolor Workshop (September 25 @ noon)
- Birdwatching at Woodlawn Preserve (September 26 @ 8:00am)
- Yoga on the Beach (September 26 @ 9:30am)
- iNaturalist: Sharing Observations of Biodiversity (September 26 @ 1:00pm)
- Monarch Butterfly Walk (September 26 @ 1:00pm)
- Early Birds Birdwatching (September 30 @ 7:30am)
- Painting in Nature- Acrylic Workshop (September 30 @ noon)
- Black as a Bat (October 1 @ 7:30pm)
- Birdwatching at Saratoga Battlefield (October 2 @ 8:30am)
- Lawson Lake Bird Walk (October 2 @ 9:00am)
- Trail Trek (October 2 @ 10:00am)
- Painting in Nature- Acrylic Workshop (October 2 @ noon)
- Spidey Senses (October 2 @ 2:30pm)
- Cemetery Walk (October 3 @ 2:30pm)
- Draconids Meteor Shower (nightfall and early evening on October 8)
- Birdwatching at Five Rivers (October 9 @ 8:00am)
- Tivoli’s Preserve Bird Walk (October 9 @ 9:00am)
- Birdwatching at Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail (October 10 @ 8:00am)
- Explore Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary (October 17 @ 10:00am)
- Fall Foliage Walk (October 17 @ 1:00pm)
- Moonlight Hike (October 19 @ 8:00pm)
- Orionids Meteor Shower (pre-dawn hours of October 20)
- Moonlight Hike (October 20 @ 8:00pm)
- Birdwatching at Collins Lake (October 23 @ 8:00am)
- South Taurids Meteor Shower (late night November 4 until dawn November 5)
- North Taurids Meteor Shower (late night November 11 until dawn November 12)
- Birdwatching at Tomhannock Reservoir (November 14 @ 8:30am)
- Leonids Meteor Shower (pre-dawn hours of November 17)
- Moonlight Hike (November 18 @ 7:00pm)
- Moonlight Hike (November 19 @ 7:00pm)
- Full Moon Hike (November 20 @ 4:00pm)
- Geminids Meteor Shower (mid-evening of December 13 through pre-dawn of December 14)
Consider trying a new autumnal cocktail while watching one of the online events listed above (or while simply admiring the fall colors or perhaps while watching any of the upcoming meteor showers).
Happy trails!