Cottonwoods turning, Vermillion
The one tree that defines the prairies is the cottonwood. It lines all available water sources, so that rivers from the air look like knotted green threads. It stabilizes the fragile prairie soils, survives fires, and provides wildlife habitat in life and in death. Blazing yellow cottonwoods lined our way home on the back roads from Vermillion to the Black Hills. Take a moment to enjoy the reflections and traces of fall.
Sumac, one of the few red touches out here
Cottonwood arch with a red-tailed hawk at a distance
...a thousand shades of gold and brown...
...beginning cottonwoods on the bank....
...and splendid old ones on the hill.
Milkweed pod, burst.
...and distant waters.
Thirteen-lined ground squirrel foraging
Small toad seeking warmth
Cottonwood with rainbows at sunrise.