Early Autumn?

Many people around the area have noticed signs of the seasonal change already.  Some have seen geese heading south... others have noticed the trees loosing their leaves or beginning to change color.  I too have noticed hickory nuts have started to fall and barn swallows are mostly gone.  Is this a sign of autumn's early arrival?

Technically autumn arrives on September 22nd (the autumnal equinox) this year as the sun's direct rays on earth crosses the equator back to the southern hemisphere.  Traditionally you typically notice the seasonal changes more often in early to mid September, but with a La Nina currently in play in the eastern Pacific, seasonal changes could occur sooner.  Does this mean we'll have an early frost?  It is entirely possible.  We will have to wait and see.  If you want to follow how the autumn tree color change is coming across Wisconsin, please check out this website: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fallcolor_report.aspx.