Nature Happenings - September

• Western Meadowlarks migrate.

• Asters are the last plants to bloom.

• Monarch Butterfly migration peaks.

• In early September, Elk are visible in the autumn rut around Jasper National Park and Waterton National Park.

• Bats are busy feeding, building fat for hibernation and migration.

• Blackbird (grackles, cowbirds and redwings) flocks can number in the thousands.

• Shorebird migration ends.

• Fall migration peaks for warblers and others.

• Autumn colours begin — Sumac, dogwood and Virginia Creeper.

• Most hummingbirds depart by the end of month.

• Robins begin to join together in large flocks.

• Bears are feeding in preparation for hibernation.

• Switch feeders to high-fat, winter foods.

• Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks are visible flying south for migration.

• Whitefish in Lake Athabasca and in the Athabasca River begin swimming upstream to spawn.

• Bull trout begin spawning in lakes and streams just east of the Rocky Mountains.

• Semi-palmated sandpipers stop on mudflats of central Alberta during their migration from the Arctic to South America.

• September 23 is the Autumnal Equinox.

• Moose begin the rut towards the end of September.

• Full Moon, also known as the Harvest Moon, is September 29/2023