I went to visit Mono, my tree, an Acer pictum, twice during February, both times on grey wintery rainy days so it’s not looking at its most attractive in my photos. But that did mean I wasn’t distracted by its foliage and instead had a good look at the tree’s structure.
As you can see, Mono has its roots firmly planted in the ground. It stands right next to a tarmac roadway but, luckily, that is only used by park vehicles and employees, and their driving and parking nearby doesn’t appear to have affected the tree. At the moment the grass around its base is somewhat sparse but that may change as the weather warms.
Mono’s trunk is thick and solid. It’s difficult to see the trunk’s texture as most of the surface is covered in lichens, mosses, ferns and liverworts – I’ll look at those in more detail in a future monthly post. The trunk is straight to about four feet, perhaps more, then, rather than maintain a single main trunk, it branches out into a multitude of thick and thin trunks, branches, and twigs.
I’m not sure what the smallest twiglets are that you can in these photos – perhaps the remnants of last year’s flowers / fruit. We shall have to wait and see. There are no leaves yet, though the buds are thick, with a slightly purplish hue, and look near to bursting.
Mono is, I think, a favourite of the local birds, of which there are many. While I was surveying the tree and taking my photos, a Robin serenaded me loudly – though, in truth, it was more likely to be advertising itself to any potential lady friends and announcing to all and sundry that this was its territory / tree. A Goldcrest was also dotting about, foraging for the tiniest of insects – these little birds are never still, hence my lousy photo of it.
After a recent blast of extreme cold and snow, the weather now seems to be warming towards spring so it will be interesting to see what changes March will bring to my beautiful tree.
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who has trouble with goldcrests! We have one at out bird table every day now and I have still to capture it.
I love your tree roots – I can imagine the fairytale “babes in the wood” snuggling up in them.
Your tree is a lovely shape – I must go and look at it some time.
Best wishes 🙂
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Thanks, Pat. It is the quintessential tree shape – the type a tree every kid draws.
Good luck with your Goldcrest – I have managed a few good pics when they’ve been out in the open but not when hopping about in a tree. 🙂
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it is nice to see the bare trees and shape of the branches, lots of character in your tree and lovely plump buds, spring can’t be far now, Frances
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Thanks, Frances. I’ll be checking on those buds in a week or so ’cause I think you’re right. 🙂
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Your tree has a lot of character. It will be exciting to see it as the seasons change
Have a great week!
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Thanks, Lea. Just wait till you see it in autumn. 🙂
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A majestic tree. Look forward to seeing it covered in leaves.
I like the photo of the robin. It’s hard to photograph birds in trees. They never seem to understand the point of sitting still and look in the right direction instead of hiding behind branches while you take the photo.
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I think you will like it all leafy, Erika.
The problem with the birds was the white/bright sky – never easy in that situation. 🙂
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