How do we know it's fall?

Fall in California is different than in New England but there are similarities. The temperatures here on the central coast stay about the same as in the other seasons, especially near the coast and on the coast. This year our area has had a stubborn layer of coastal fog (marine layer) in the mornings since early June. They say "this never happens here" but it usually occurs mostly in June. Lately someone told me that every few years we get a summer where it is very foggy and cool (like this year). However, it has been what I would describe as blazing hot in the valleys and just a little inland from us.

Now that fall is officially here, how do we know? Well, the liquid amber trees have started to turn a burgundy/red/orange/yellow color and the leaves are starting to fall. There are a number of other deciduous trees that are beginning to start to turn. The birds are migrating with the arrival of red wing black birds, coots, and many other migrating birds. Most of the quail families are grown or almost grown. The summer flowers are no longer blossoming and the ones that put out fall flowers (California lilac), lantana, and many of the shrubs, have all started to bloom. The monarch butterflies are beginning to return. The local fruit growers have lots of fresh picked fruits - apples, peaches, plums and the grapes and almond crops are beginning to get harvested.

The days have just crossed the 12 hour daylight/nightime and the sun is dropping in the sky. They say October is one of the nicest months here. We are looking forward to experiencing it.