Seasons of Nature in New England
Late Autumn

In New England, the breeding season for the white-tailed deer begins during late October, but most does won't breed until November. The peak time usually occurs around the middle of the month.

The leaves of most deciduous trees have usually fallen by the end of October. The oak leaves and beech leaves hang on a little longer. Some young beech trees will keep their leaves through the winter.

The white pine tree drops its old needles during this time, also. Over the course of a year, the white pine will lose and replace about a third of its needles. The greatest portion are lost in the fall.

The last of the songbirds migrate southward during this period. The late migrants include the hermit thrush and the fox sparrow.

Red squirrels and chipmunks can be heard scurrying around in the leaves, searching for nuts and seeds to store for the winter.

In November, the ermine (short-tailed weasel) molts into its white winter coat.

Note:  The "late autumn" period is the time from approximately mid-October through November. Timing of events will vary depending upon your latitude and elevation.