First day of autum brings birds

Today is the first day of fall. And prime birding season is under way on Georgia's coast as birds start flying south. Hundreds of species of shorebirds will pass through the region on their way to more tropical temperatures. In Georgia's Golden Isles, some 370 species of birds can be seen for viewing, especially on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Leaf colors might miss robust color this fall

There is some bad news for leaf watchers this fall--the color displays across Georgia are expected to be more subdued and shorter this year. To blame are the up-and-down weather patterns of earlier this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures in March caused plants to bloom early, and the following April freeze killed many of the young leaves. Stress on the trees has also come in the form of the drought and August heat wave. It all adds up to leaves withering and falling before getting the chance to change color.