Poison oak is bright red in late August and September. It grows in a wide variety of habitats below 3,500 feet and in many shapes and sizes. Watch for the distinctive compound leaves with three gently lobed leaflets turning to their fall foliage colors at this time of year. Poison oak is highly allergenic and should be looked out for when adventuring in the woods. September Many passerines, or perching birds, are passing through northern California on their way to Central and South America for the winter.
Bulls also roll in muddy wallows and thrash at vegetation with their antlers.
But their bugling, which also serves as a territorial display to others, is no bluff. Rutting bulls can be very aggressive, even toward humans, so use a telephoto lens to photograph them. The best place to watch tule elk is along the Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore. Nineteen different species of raptors can be observed from Hawk Hill, in the Marin Headlands, during the fall migration season. More rarely seen from Hawk Hill are golden eagles, raptors with long, broad wings and rounded tails.