The end of autumn was heralded by a blaze of color during the past few weeks at Kingstowne Lake. The lake is really only the size of a large farm pond, formed to capture runoff water from nearby neighborhoods. But it’s home to waterfowl such as Canadian geese, ducks, gulls and a solitary blue heron, while the surrounding trees harbor squirrels, cardinals, sparrows, and the occasional pair of goldfinches during the spring and summer. During the coming winter, the sheltered 0.75-mile paved path around the water’s edge will be a welcome place for a walk without the burdens of miles of driving and muddy boots.