Tower Hill Botanic Garden

I visited Tower Hill Botanic Garden this morning.  It was only in the mid 50s and gusty, but it was a beautiful day.  I had a few pleasant surprises - the first seeing our national bird, the second seeing a runner-up to the national bird, and the third being monarchs!

I only regret not getting a great photo of the Bald Eagle....but it is what it is!  It was such a thrill to see it.  I had two snaps of the camera, and then it was gone.

Bald Eagle!!!

Wachusett Mountain

Queen Anne's Lace

Fall Foliage

Most of the maples are past peak, but the oaks are in peak foliage right now.  Still very pretty!

Fall Asters were one of the last remaining blooms in the Systemic Garden.

 Beautyberry

 Cabbage Whites in flight

 Cabbage White

 Monarch

I was shocked to see multiple monarchs when it was only in the mid 50s and gusty.  These were desperate to nectar, and about the only option was clover.  I wanted to tell them, "Get going!  You should be further south by now in your migration!"  I hope they make it!

Painted Lady

Monarch

Painted Lady

Bald Cypress

showing fall color

Wildlife Pond

Dawn Redwood

showing fall colors

Belted Kingfisher

White-Throated Sparrow

Dark-Eyed Junco

Highbush Blueberry

showing fall color

Downy Woodpecker

White-throated Sparrow

Wild Turkeys

(Ben Franklin suggested the Wild Turkey would make a better National Bird than the Bald Eagle.)