October Memories

Wisps of clouds and soft colors defined a warm and peaceful sunrise

Natural rhythms were interrupted by unusually warm, dry and erratic weather patterns

Early leaf drop and muted colors in woodlands shifted attention to the landscape underfoot

The Harvest Moon reminded all of the landscape overhead

Harvested fields were crowded with hungry geese

Gulls as well as geese foraged in dense, low fog on cold mornings

Searches for fall landscapes led to familiar haunts, like the old mill pond

Driven more by photoperiod than the tricky warm weather, a mature male beaver prepared for winter by harvesting an aspen tree and stashing branches at the family lodge

Staghorn Sumac was on fire!

A large ash tree, dead for many years, returned to life. An impressive mass of “Chicken-of-the woods” fungus fruited on the base of the snag and lit up a drab woodland scene.

October reflections

Photos by NB Hunter (October 2017). © All Rights Reserved.

 

Spring Greens

As I chase Spring in search of wildflowers, critters and other natural phenomena, I am reminded of something special that is often a backdrop for more popular subjects rather than the main attraction. Artists and photographers know it well, and they also know the challenge of capturing its stunning, ephemeral beauty at the right time and place. I’m referring to the palette of fresh, spring greens that appears as plants emerge from dormancy.

These images, in chronological order over a period of about two weeks, are my most recent attempt to capture “green-up” in Central New York.

Aspen clone (May 4)

Wild apple tree bloom and woody plant leaf development (1 of 2; May 10)

Dairy farm (May12)

Sugar maple foliage (May 14)

Canada geese in a field of barley (a gang of newly hatched goslings at her feet; May 15)

Sugar maple form and foliage (May 16)

Red oak flowers and foliage (May 17)

Photos by NB Hunter (May 4 – 16, 2017). © All Rights Reserved.

Rainy Days

Wind, rain and dark skies have settled in, arriving at the tail end of a beautiful display of flaming foliage in the countryside. I’m searching for the silver lining — while monitoring storm water and the erosion control practices on my woodlot.

Photos by NB Hunter. All Rights Reserved.

Bubbling Brook Macro

While walking the bank of a small, intermittent drainage swollen by rainwater, a plunge pool caught my eye. Water cascading over an abrupt drop in the stream bed had created a tiny pool about two feet across and a foot deep. The water was swirling slowly, clockwise, with fallen maple leaves and bubbles dancing along for the ride. I had to play with the ever-changing scene, and will share some of the shots.

Sugar Maple leaf swirling around in a small plunge pool (1 of 4)

Photos by NB Hunter. ©  All Rights Reserved.