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Black Birch Catkins
November 29, 2025 The male catkins (or male flowers) of Black Birch (Betula lenta) form in the late summer and early autumn, overwintering in a dormant state. When spring arrives these catkins lengthen to 3/4 – 1 inch, and mature to release pollen to the wind. Black Birch is a monoecious tree, having both male…
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Pinecones Of Pitch Pine
November 25, 2025 Pinecones of Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida), which are usually between 2 to 4 inches long. Its bundles of needles are called fascicles, each of these fascicles normally contain 3 thick, twisted needles ranging in size from 2.5 to 5 inches long. These needles sometimes will emerge directly from the trunk rather than…
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Northern Flicker Yellow-shafted Form
November 24, 2025 This, a Northern Flicker (Yellow Shafted Form)(Colaptes auratus auratus), and many other birds enjoy the berries of Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). There are so many things that make me thankful for being surrounded by nature. This magnificent bird is one of those things. _______________________ If you would like to receive my daily…
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Raindrops On A Chestnut Oak Leaf
November 22, 2025 Raindrops on a Chestnut Oak leaf (Quercus montana). This tree has the common name of “Chestnut Oak” due to the similarity of its leaves to those of the American Chestnut tree (Castanea dentata). Its leaf has shallow lobed edges, while an American Chestnut leaf has ocean wave edges. _______________________ If you would…
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Sign Of A Pileated Woodpecker
November 21, 2025 This morning on my way down the mountain I saw a woodpecker that I often see, a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). The largest woodpecker in North America. About the size of a crow. Measuring in at 16 to 19 inches long, with a wingspan of 26 to 30 inches, weighing about 8.8…
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A Classic Pose Of A Nuthatch
November 20, 2025 A White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) in a pose I often see. Quickly going up and down a tree trunk. Surprisingly, going down like this, head first. Searching, hunting for insects. The White-breasted Nuthatch has strong feet that enable it to grip tree bark without using its tail for support, a technique that…