look at the squirrel's tails, they're quite bushy where I'm at. that means long or harsh winter, I don't remember. that and spider webs are pretty high up (don't know where I heard that one) and I'm seeing very few opened walnuts, many the nut just goes missing so animals are storing up food.
One thing to be glad for, I made a lot of tops this summer so have plenty to hand quilt under this winter!