Days are getting shorter in the swamp

This pretty little cardinal flower was growing in one of the gravel footpaths and attending to its reproductive responsibilities before the frosts arrive. The swamp animals were preparing for fall, too. The sun has been setting earlier, so wildlife was more active prior to the park’s 5 pm closing time. Squirrels were scratching in the leaves and rabbits were grazing around. A big owl was looking at me from his perch in a pine tree; and maybe he was also watching for a squirrel- supper. The snakes haven’t been out sunning, lately, but turtles were lined up on logs.