Backyard and Beyond

Starting out from Brooklyn, an amateur naturalist explores our world.

As John Burroughs said, “The place to observe nature is where you are.”

Fruit of the Tuliptree

A ring of samaras make up the open fruit clusters of Liriodendron tulipifera.

There is a seed at the base. This stiff little wings whirligig down to earth, if…

…they’re not intercepted first. Actually, since this Tufted Titmouse is in a pine, the samara was probably already on the ground. Anyway, once the bird was done with extracting the seed, the samara was released to spin down to your waiting photographer:

Several days later and elsewhere, another Tufted T has another Tuliptree samara in hand. Not a big seed, but popular.

mthew

One response to “Fruit of the Tuliptree”

  1. Chuck McAlexander

    After a haitus, this year’s infestation of Titmice remind me of a plague of locusts. No nook, cranny or crevice goes uninspected for edible matter. Their plain look has it’s own beauty and their vocalizations appeal. One call is similar to that of a robin and the song is a joy in the spring. I am glad to have them back.

    Reply

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