Leaves of Senses

In my previous post, I introduced you to some of the beautiful birds which visit my local park and pond over the course of a day. Today, I'd like to show you some of the flora which attracts many of the birds and insects that inhabit this area and others. Please remember to click on each photo to enlarge it.


Since late in the spring, one branch of this berry-producing tree has been bright orange. Every other limb sports nothing but green leaves and berries, so this isn't its autumn foliage - just a colourful contrast to the rest of the tree. It's where the robins in the previous post were perched. (please click to enlarge)





Here are some of the ripened berries which the birds find so tasty. (please click to enlarge)





And from a different perspective. (please click to enlarge)





This tiny bloom is only about one centimeter (less than a half inch) in diameter. (please click to enlarge)






These lily pads were found at Mill Pond - a twenty minute drive from home, in the center of a small town. They reminded me of a Claude Monet painting. (please click to enlarge)





These colourful wildflowers grow along the park path. They attract birds, bees, butterflies and my camera lens. (please click to enlarge)





Snapdragons are emerging everywhere throughout the fields near Frank's place. He'll probably stop by and comment about how its petals remind him of.. something. (please click to enlarge)





In his front yard, this tiny leaf had fallen and was clinging to the tip of a larger leaf. I thought there was something tender and endearing about it. (please click to enlarge)





In his back yard, these tiny purple Clematis buds... (please click to enlarge)





.. grow into these large, profuse blooms. This photo was inspired by my dear bloggie friend Protege of Life Work and Pleasure, who has been keeping us abreast of her Clematis plant's growth with weekly updates since spring. Consider checking out her blog - she always has something wonderful to share. (please click to enlarge)

And thank you all for sharing your time with me. More pics in a few days.

September Stroll

Come walk with me. There's no need for a jacket just yet - the mornings are still warm and slightly humid. Put on your comfy shoes and we'll walk through the field and woods, to the creek. While we stroll along, see if you can guess which songs are represented by the snippets of lyrics written in pink, below each photo, and please remember to click on each of the images to enlarge them.

1 "The sun pours down like honey..."

Away from the main path and close to the shore, these flowers had grown tall - just about eye-level. I noticed how the sunlight was filtering through the trees, giving an almost sepia appearance, so I crouched down to capture flowers, branches and sunlight all together.

2 "Spinning at the mercy of an unrelenting force..."

A spider scrambles across its dew-dotted web to claim its breakfast.

3 "The autumn leaves of red and gold..."

The sun catches and illuminates the red and golden tones of the changing leaves. Soon there will be more red than green.

4 "Out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy..."

These woods were heavy with a fungus. Mushrooms are growing like steps in the bark of the tree.

5 "Step by step, one by one, higher and higher..."

An up close and personal look at this growth.

6 " Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high"

September is the time when the salmon are making their way upstream. This is the same spot where trout were jumping in the spring. Every minute or so, you can see one of them attempt to jump its way up the fish ladder. Some make it, and disappear from view. Some hit the wall with a sickening thud. This one made it.

7 "I know nothing about fishing but just watch me go..."

Inside the trash bag, are one or two that got hooked before they had the chance to jump the ladder. This angler seemed pleased with his catch.

8 "Look at the flowers and the green grass so tall..."

Late in the afternoon, the sunlight saturates the wildflowers with deep, rich hues.

9 "Those water-coloured memories, soft as a summer's breeze..."

On this day the creek was like glass, reflecting the trees in its surface. There were several salmon swimming just beneath which continued to make their way upstream.

10 "But there are times that you feel you're part of the scenery..."

Up ahead, Benny catches up to Frank while making multiple detours along the way. So much to sniff!

11 "Keep on smilin' thru the rain..."

The day is done. Back at Frank's place after the sun has set and rain clouds moved through, leaving raindrop-spattered leaves.

12 "Got to sit down, take a rest on the porch..."

Outdoor lighting illuminates the back deck revealing plants which have begun to look September-weary.



Lyrics answers (not necessarily by the original artist).

1 - Suzanne - Leonard Cohen

2 - Nexus - Dan Fogelberg

3 - Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy

4 - Night Moves - Bob Seger

5 - Jacob's Ladder - Bruce Hornsby and the Range

6 - Summertime - Janis Joplin

7 - Gone Fishing - Chris Rea

8 - Warm Love - Van Morrison

9 - Sand River - Beth Gibbons

10 - Take the Long Way Home - Supertramp

11 - Keep on Smilin' - Wet Willie

12 - Lookin' Out My Back Door - Creedence Clearwater Revival