September 2019. Autumn reaches its’ peak with the Autumnal Equinox on the 23^rd. After the 23^rd, we begin the downhill slide into winter.

• Autumn is 90 days long.
• September is the peak of southward migration of land birds

September 2019

5^th – First Quarter – waxing toward full

14^th – Full Harvest Moon, Full Corn Moon (Indian Moon Names)

21^st – Last Quarter – waning toward new

21^st – International Day of Peace

23th – Autumnal Equinox

23th – Harvest Home Celebrations

28^th – New Moon

In the Night Sky

• New Moon always rises near sunrise
• First Quarter rises near noon
• Full Moon always rises near sunset
• Last Quarter rises near midnight
• Moonrise occurs about 50 minutes later each day.

At this time of year, the Earth is facing out into space. This gives us a good chance to see The Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galaxy neighbor.

In the autumn northern hemisphere: Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Corona Borealis, Hercules. Lyra, Lacerta, Andromeda, and Cygnus grace the night sky.

It’s spring in the southern hemisphere Pisces, Aquarius, Equuleus, Capricornus, Sagittarius, Ophluchus, Scutum. The Midnight Sun can be seen 24 hours a day at the south pole. The Sun never sets September 23rd to March 20^th.

Birds in September

• Now is the peak of southward migration of land birds
• Hummingbirds are migrating
• Insect-eating warblers migrate during September
• Backyard birds are quiet.
• Majority of summer resident birds begin their southbound migration.
• Herons and egrets move north into Pennsylvania to forage along rivers and ponds. The waterways are typically at their lowest points now.

Animals in September

• Woodchucks hibernate now
• Many animals are going into hibernation or torpor
• Insects are entering their winter state of suspended animation
• Dragonflies are migrating 
• The best fishing on days 1^st through 14^th, 28^th, 30th

In the Garden

• Clean out fallen leaves and either add them to the compost pile or pile them up under trees, shrubs, and on garden beds. The leaves will break down over the winter.
• As the days grow cooler, it is a good time to do the heavy garden maintenance like building raised beds and repairing and installing fencing.

Plants in September

• Cranberry bogs are ready for harvest

2019 Nature Almanacs

Nature Almanac: December 2019

Nature Almanac: November 2019

Nature Almanac: October 2019

Nature Almanac: August 2019