Why can't we all just get along...they are probably just checking out some of the maples that have tips beginning to change (sarcasm)
A few leaves changing color here in Windham (about 12 miles south of Naples on 302), and it won't be long before autumn is in full swing. We'll get our leaf season tourist traffic real soon now.
New England autumns are very nice, IMO.
As for this story, what strikes me are the delays between sighting, the alert, and making the news.