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

The hawks continue to migrate south, though in lesser numbers than in early autumn. See the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website for more information.

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