Tuesday, April 22, 2008

There is this tree

...I visit often. It’s thriving at the edge of a pond.


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What type of tree? I don’t know. It’s sort of homely with an odd shape unlike a tree, it isn’t stately or attractive, but what adorns it is dazzling. This tree is full of life, all the time. I avert my gaze for a bit to search for waterfowl.

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There are no Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, Belted Kingfishers, or Hooded Mergansers to enjoy; however, there are a few Mallards rippling the waters


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and congregate at the base of other unattractive trees.


But, back to this tree I’m calling my own. On Sunday morning there was a lot of business in this tree, all at once. I got flustered on deciding what to photograph first.



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The Song Sparrow, perched high, was heard above the Red-Winged Blackbirds. I didn't hear the traffic rushing by - just the songbird.


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Brown-Headed Nuthatches made an appearance, scaling branches with quick agility, then perched, and stayed for a while. Two of them.



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A male Downy arrived quietly to claim his space.



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His routine was carried out like clockwork, eyeing me up each time, before exiting.

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In the middle of the tree I heard a lovely Bluebird melody. They are always here, in this tree. Females first.


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There are beautiful birds all over the world. Then there are Eastern Bluebirds. Breathtakingly beautiful. I’d love to show ten more photos right here and now.

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I looked below, over the railing that separates the road from the pond, to see turtles sunning themselves at the base of this tree.

Is there any wonder why I want to call this tree “mine”?

30 comments:

Cheryl said...

No wonder at all Mary. Like my old apple tree, it is dying and by doing so giving life to other species. It is your tree, for you have found and honoured it.
Welcome to my world.

thailandchani said...

The tree belongs to all of us.. but I'm so grateful that you are there to take care of it. :) It is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I think those birds and turtles might argue about whose tree it is but I know it's yours!

Donna said...

There is so much activity around your tree! Love the blue birds.
Hugs,
Donna

Ruth said...

What a beautiful poetic post!.. sure to lower your blood pressure...

Anonymous said...

mary, such stunning photos and I love seeing all the birds you have!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your tree with us Mary!! Your pictures are beautiful...I especially like the one of the female bluebird.

Angie

Q said...

Dear Mary, Goddess of the Endless Summer,
Cheryl said it best, "It is your tree, for you have found and honoured it. Welcome to my world."
My world too. The world of one with and listening and honoring and being. It is the world where beauty is real and is in the opening of one's heart. This is a beautiful post about a Lady and her Tree.
Thank you Mary, it an honor to call you friend.
Namaste,
Sherry

KGMom said...

Mary--trees are such giving organisms. This is a great tribute to a life-giving tree.
I have been trying to figure out what kind of tree it is. If I have success, I will comment again.

Julie Zickefoose said...

A willow, I think maybe a black willow. Full of insects, full of holes, full of homes and life for birds. A lovely post. Pretty is as pretty does, Mary's tree, and you know that better than anyone.

KGMom said...

I should know the Science Chimp would beat me to it--I just concluded it's a black willow and rushed to comment. Too late.
Go here for photos.

Mary said...

Julie and Donna, I had gotten as far as "willows" but you both beat me to it! Black Willow. I won't forget. It isn't too unattractive and in my eyes, it's gorgeous. Thanks.

Debbie said...

Mary, fantastic photos, I love birdwatching. What a wonderful place.

Do you mind me asking what camera you use?

beckie said...

As Cheryl said, your tree is a giver of life-that is why you love it so. Blue birds are wonderful as are the other birds. And I love the turtles sunning themselves. It looks like a glorious day!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Your tree is beautiful Mary. I give it the name Mari contorta de wildlife. How's that? tee hee...

Jayne said...

So much going on in that tree Mary. :c) I can certainly see why it calls to you.

Stacey Olson said...

O- what a beautiful tree. Trees are a symbol of strenght and protection.. so cool.

Peg Silloway said...

Mary, did you know you are a therapist? Some mornings I just need calm beauty, and I know just where to find it. Thank you for the mallards and the bluebirds and the turtles. Thank you especially for sharing your tree.

Annie in Austin said...

I headed for the tree book, sure it would be somewhere under 'willow' then stopped and decided to wait for the Science Chimp to turn up with the right answer...which may be lazy but is also efficient!

That black willow might not fit into a manicured landscape, Mary, but Your Tree looks wonderful decorated with sparrows, nuthatches and bluebirds!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary! I loved your entry and your pictures. Especially the second picture. I wish I had all the different birds in my yard. I am still awaiting the hummers. Had my feeder up for a couple of weeks now. Well soon enough they will be here. Well take care and keep posting the beautiful pictures. Lisa

Dorothy said...

You are a visual artist Mary, you see beauty in the ordinary. *Your tree* is host to so many beautiful birds.
I loved it!

Sherry said...

Fantastic photos, Mary. I think your tree is beautiful. :) The bluebirds are -so- pretty.

Susan Gets Native said...

I love your tree. And so what if it isn't "attractive"...
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so everything you look at, dear Mary, is beautiful.

Naturegirl said...

Mary you live near a magical pond with all the birds and turtles!!
Love the shot of the turtles..good eye!! sunkissed in Arizona NG

JeanMac said...

Beautiful post, Mary.

Heidi said...

that is a cool tree Mary! Before I scrolled enough, I was thinking that bluebird was the prettiest bird I've ever seen, and then you mentioned it :) Then that last photo makes me want to play frogger! Great capture :)

Unknown said...

I'm all for Mary's tree. How wonderful to see so much life in one tree.

dguzman said...

I love the fact that nature can be yours, mine, and everyone's. I am often reduced to tears, watching everything that "my" marsh shows me.

Mel said...

I love YOUR tree, Mary!
So green and beautiful all around, looove the turtles!!

Kathie Brown said...

This tree proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the birds who inhabit the tree! Love this post!