Saturday Snapshot: Tree Walk
As a bird watcher I spend a lot of time looking at trees because that’s where most of the birds are. And besides, I like trees. This week I read and reviewed a wonderful book about trees called, simply enough, Seeing Trees. It’s a beautiful combination of facts and photography.
Coincidentally I had the opportunity to go on a Tree Walk. I had to drop off some photos for a photography contest at the visitor’s center at my favorite nature park and I saw a notice that there was a free tour of the tree trail that same morning. I timed my delivery so I could attend the walk. The tour was conducted by the head forester and was a fascinating two hours.
The photo on the right is a huge maple tree near the entrance to the park. Most of the maples and elms still had their leaves and were beautifully colored. About half the trees, such as the oaks, had already dropped most of their leaves but a few trees were hanging on to some greenery. It made for an interesting contrast.
I couldn’t spend a few hours looking at trees without also watching the birds. The tree in the photo below was filled with robins enjoying a snack of berries. In the autumn robins leave the backyards and form large flocks at the woodland edge. They will migrate short distances to where ever they can find food.
This bird looks like a young female robin. The pale colors indicate female and the white spots in the crown and breast hint at young, maybe second year bird.
This is probably going to be the last warm(ish) weekend of the year for the Chicago area so I’m going to grab my camera and go for a walk this afternoon. Anyone care to join me? Virtually, that is!
Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce at At Home With Books. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.
Under My Apple Tree 
I love the bird pictures, even though I’m not a bird watcher. I’ve missed a lot of the good fall weather here because I’ve been traveling, but the trees are so beautiful this time of year.
My Snapshot is here.
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Beautiful! Yes, I try and remember to notice the trees, too. I had no idea that robin’s could look so varied.
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The difference is subtle. I’m not 100% sure about the bird in the photo. Their first set of adult feathers are a little shabby because they grow them quickly. Also, males are slightly darker than females and this bird was pale.
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Perfect timing I must say.
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I am on my way out the door for walk. I live on the otherside of the Lake and it is beautiful here today too.
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Enjoy your walk. I’m heading to the local lake (really a large pond) today.
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I love the detail you were able to get in the shot of the robin – do you have a long lens or were you able to get up close to the bird?
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A little of both. Robins are pretty friendly so I got near the tree. The lens is lightweight zoom with a 55-250mm range.
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Great photos, both the tree and the bird! It’s nice that you got to go on that walking tour. I would join you but it’s pouring down rain here today, so I intend to stay inside. 🙂
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I’m a tree watcher, too. Love your picture of the Robin! Wow. Great art!
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Your photos certainly show the warm Fall colors and the feel of change. That magnificent tree is quite a welcome to the park.
🙂
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I always enjoy your bird photos so much. Your posts are informative, and the pictures are always great.
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I love trees, too, especially when they’re “clothed” in fall colors. I like the pop of color in the bird photo.
Here’s MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT and
MY WEBSITE
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Great photo and I love that you are a bird watcher. I have bird watching books from the states we have lived in, but I’m not good at it. I’m actually terrible. Can’t tell you how many times a week I ask my husband, “eagle or hawk”. To my defense, they are way up in the air, gliding, looking for dinner. 🙂
I hope you enjoyed your walk. Have a wonderful weekend!
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I always love watching your bird photos, The tree has some nice fall colors too.
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Great pictures once again. That maple is a lot prettier than mine. It barely turned yellow before a rain storm knocked most of the leaves off.
Here’s my Snapshot: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/11/saturday-snapshot-november-5.html
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nice one!
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Great photo of a robin. It sounds like you know trees and birds very well.
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I learn so much about birds from your Saturday Snapshots. Who knew young robins had spots. Not me. Here’s My Saturday Snapshot
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Wow the trees are still so pretty in your area. I started noticing robins eating berries here as well. I thought they were worms and bugs only birds so I was surprised.
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Beautiful pictures – colors!
Have a great walk out, Leslie.
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Beautiful shots, as always. I especially love the one with the robin. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young one with such pale plummage. I learn something every time I visit your site. Thanks!
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