The other day, I ambled through my friend's woodland with no other purpose than absorbing sights and smells of a golden fall day. Passing the small pond, the reflections were eye candy.
The large maple has overlooked this pond from a time when Boy Scouts camped nearby. I wonder if any of them remember those youthful days? This spring, Wood Ducks rested there on their trip northward. Now it is quiet and smells of autumn.
Continuing my ramble, I found a few beech leaves still holding on to their branch in the cold breeze.
Most of the beech have died from a foreign disease. Now, most are just rotting logs on the ground. How I miss the giant beech adorned with nuts to feed the deer, squirrels and bluejays. Unlike the oaks and maples, beech seem to curl up tightly.
Continuing a very slow ramble, something odd captured my attention. These few chestnut oak leaves that landed turned bottom-side up were consistently dotted with water beads.
All other leaves were soaked through after the morning drizzle. I postulated that this oak specie has a waxy surface. But, knowing my inadequate knowledge, I sought the expertise of Robert Westley at the Cornell Botanic Gardens. His reply revealed that chestnut oaks have specialized hairs, stellate hairs, on the underside of their leaves. Now, I have to return with my hand magnifier to see them.
It turned out to be a successful outing. Now, I look at autumn with a new awareness. The expansive fall landscape images miss a lot of the real beauty that can be right under your feet.
Paul
