October has had 31 days since the time of the Roman emperor Augustus. In the North Temperate Zone, the first frost usually occurs in October. Farmers must finish harvesting most crops, but the cold weather does not come to stay. Days of warm, hazy sunshine still appear. They inspired poets to sing the praises of October and Indian summer.
Leaves change to brilliant crimson, russet, and gold.
Wild asters, goldenrod, and fringed gentians bloom at this time. The frost kills many insects, and most birds have left for the South, but sparrows are fond of October. They are seedeaters, and the fields and meadows are rich with seeds. Sparrows eat millions of weed seeds that might otherwise damage the next crop. Farmers bring in the fall crops and store them or ship them to market.