Watchung Reservation Autumn

Every year, the park behind my house glows in October.  As a nature photographer, I am endlessly fascinated by the variations the stream provides as the leaves float around.  Here are some images from yesterday's meanderings.

At the right time of the day, the trees and sky reflect off the water, making the view a confusion of sky, trees, water and leaves.

The water ripples around the leaves, but its fleeting shapes can be captured; each moment in time unique.

Sometimes I see a particular leaf and it seems like the most special leaf in the world for a few minutes.  I know it will soon be gone.

Different species, colors and shapes floating on the water are like a calico quilt.  I like the ones that are upside down.

Can you tell that some some of these leaves are on the surface of the water and some are underneath it?

It is almost blindingly bright in the late afternoon sun.  Long shadows are so exciting, but the warm sun will soon dry the leaves out to a crispy brown.