After dropping off the kids at a party, I figured I had a good two hours. The map showed a trail nearby that I’d never hiked, so I decided to check it out. At its center was a creek that passed near a grove of trees.
Unfortunately, part of the trail was private, so I had to contend with the locals.
In the end, they let me in for a wooden nickel. Or maybe it was an acorn nut from one of the nearby oaks.
There were some pines in the forest, a few scattered oaks, and lots of sycamore trees. These sycamores seemed the most photogenic, so I concentrated on them.
The trunk of a sycamore is hearty and its bark always has blotches with some interesting variation in color and texture.
The branches are strong, but free-spirited, curving and sometimes twisting as they reach upwards or outwards toward the light.
When a branch breaks off, it leaves the tree with a knot. These knots add more visual appeal to the trunks and branches. Sometimes, the knot turns into a hole. Insects, dry rot, or fire can hollow out a portion of the trunk as well. Some of these holes become caves, big enough for a skunk or raccoon to sleep in.
I saw lots of squirrels. Can you see this one? It’s hiding.
And another. These are ground squirrels that live in burrows. They can climb trees, but they prefer not to get very high off the ground. If I walk through the woods and surprise a tree squirrel, it runs right up the trunk of a nearby tree to escape me. Ground squirrels can gather almost everything they need on the ground, but on the rare occasions I’ve seen one in a tree, the ground squirrel goes down rather than up. They only feel safe on the ground, so they’ll drop out of the trees and run as fast as they can for their holes and the network of burrows beneath.
The acorn woodpeckers were hard at work. I saw at least five of them flying around from tree to tree. The hammering noises from their pecking echoed through the woods. But they were moving too fast for me to take a good picture, so I borrowed this public domain image to share with you.
They were coming and going from this dead tree. Can you guess why?
The acorn woodpeckers have filled it with holes and are making good progress filling each of those holes with nuts. They harvest acorn nuts from the oak trees, stuff them into these holes, and eat them all winter.
I’ve read about that, but rarely seen it. I’ll have to bring the kids back here and show them this tree.
The leaves of a sycamore tree are somewhat similar to maple leaves, but not quite as distinctive. Their fall colors are much less intense than maples also. The leaves fade from green to a dull yellow before turning brown and shriveling up. A few of these leaves are falling already, but most of them still think it is late summer.
Did I mention there is a stream nearby? It could be called Minnow Creek (though I don’t know its real name). I saw some small fish in the shallows, but the picture I took of them did not turn out very well.
These are some miniature whitewater rapids. The water was only about three inches deep, so there were no whales in sight.
All images are property of the author and taken with a Galaxy7, except for acorn woodpecker photo, which is public domain.
Ah to be among the nature.
I am also a lover of trees
their magnificence brings me to my knees.
They live strong and live on long after I die
And yet I dare to look them in the eye.
From a tiny seed they grow to glory
while every branch tells us a story
We know not their future
nor of their past
but even greatness can not last.
Thanks for sharing @donkeypong : )
I shivered at the picture of the hollow tree.
These amazing places. Photographs so truly convey the beauty of nature. You are a professional photographer.
Minnow creek.... maybe we should dedicate a chat and call it that, because we all are minnows at some point here:)
The first underwater Steem Meetup? If there's a pond nearby that's deeper than 3 inches, I'll join you for a swim.
Lol! Think of the photos that would come out of that
Interesting. Will never stop learning with your informative and education post. Always happy to visit this blog as i learn new everytime.
Beautiful pictures and view. The tree beside the minnow creek will scare me on a good day...lol. Thank you for this.
Those branches look like snakes, they make my imagination run around creating nightmares ^_^
You should take a polarizer filter with you next time, it will let you remove the surface reflection and take good photos of those fishes.
Thanks for a good suggestion. That's true; I can see them better with my sunglasses on, so I probably should get the equivalent for my camera phone.
guess your sunglasses are polarizing, from my experience the only filter you will ever need in professional photography is polarizing filter, they are awesome ^_^
The wonderful captures you catch on from nature. You high-lightly showing we have very uncommonly place on the planet god gave us. I really appreciate and salute to you @donkeypong.
This is amazing and huge tree showing us its design and create beautiful world. So we need to protect natural environment including trees, lakes, waterfalls, animal, birds etc..
Thank you for sharing valuable post..
Upvote and Resteem
The resolution of the phone camera is sure almost as good as a digital camera. Indeed great taste and view.
I have seen these trees a couple of time, didnt know that it was the famous biblical sycamore tree.
Thank you for the share.
Thanks. I had a cheap cell phone and went out and bought a better one just for the camera. A Galaxy phone (in good lighting) is as effective as my high quality camera (which is so bulky I rarely use it).
Yeah totally, both the Samsung and the Asus phones have excellent resolution. There are now some lens accessories that cost 10 bucks and enhances the picture even better.
The woodpeckers have a great planning mechanism!
The photos were nicely taken,credit to you and also the awesome camera.
It makes feel like i was there with you,the camera brings out all the details of nature.
I need to save up some money and buy a galaxy 7 phone hehehe.
These pictures are awesome.
Projecting nature in a unique dimension.
Now I know more better about the sycamore tree.
But I seem not like what the acorn woodpeckers are doing to the beauty of the sycamore. But all the same, nature wanted it that way.
This is nice @donkeypong
The work of nature is simply amazing my friend, everything is well calculated! Branches fall down...making holes for another animal to make it their home, amazing!
Dead trees...easier for the bird to dig and store their food for the hard weather coming...Really impressive.
Nature is amazing if you find a good place, sit down and watch.
I got idea, man:
You take me for a walk
Under the Sycamore Trees
woow ... a great post, let's take care and preserve that the tree is not extinct and dead, let us do greening the planting of new trees.
Planting more trees is a great idea. Let's green up the world. :)
This tree reminds me of zacheu in the bible when he climb the sycamore just to see Jesus..
Climbing trees is a spiritual journey for sure.
Absolutely
Indeed you must have enjoyed a lot there.So many Sycamore trees would have surrounded you and squirrels and woodpecker greeted you :p
And yeah those trees are really photogenic.It was nice going through such a wonderful post.
This is nature as should be interpreted and I just like how it turned out at the end that despite the dryness of the areas, we have a Minnow Creek. I think the naming is just right. Tree planting I think should be encouraged i order to create a greener world. Great post and pictures boss.
It's really fascinating about the acorns. I never knew woodpeckers hid them like that. My family use to have a 40 year old pine tree planted in honor of the birth of my brother. The woodpeckers loved that thing and it was covered in holes just like the acorn tree. They would put holes in it and over time the sap leaked out and covered the entire trunk so you couldn't touch it without getting covered. I'd see them out the window all the time just pecking away it.
Most woodpeckers are interested in insects, so I think that sap helps attract bugs. These particular ones seem to like nuts also.
Hehehe, @donkeypong you sure have a great virtue in description. I really enjoyed every part from the sycamore tree to the unseen beautiful fishes. Maybe we should just go fishing: steemit fishing tour. What do you think? @greatness96.
Great idea! Next Steemfest will be a picnic...
Yes, bro. I wish I could be there. But with you there, I'm sure of great fun. My pleasure is seeing updates from you and knowing you enjoyed yourself.
Great post! This definitely reminds me of Casper park in Orange County.. can't really tell exactly how many (thousands of pictures I've taken) and your awesome pictures bring many great memories ! The last picture is my favorite tho!!!! Love it. Thank you for sharing. - @splendorhub
Dear @donkeypong, have you worked for National Geographic before or you are a consultant to them?
The surgical narration of your Hiking and the Sycamore Trees is superb, i use to think Woodpeckers Makes hole in Trees for Habitation, i had no idea they are stocking Acorns and seeds for Winter.
Well, i will be glad to go on the next Hike with you😊
You're too kind. National Geographic has much better writers and photographers than me. :)
Well, i bet they are not as kind and receptive as you sire😊
Sycamore trees have a peaceful purpose to their presence. Sometimes, I like to think they have a spiritual significance .
Nature gives peace and reminds us constantly that we are children of the universe.
Thanks for sharing!
Lovely photos, especially the last one, with the water rippling over the stones. Sometimes it's in the simple works of nature that we can find our deepest truths.
That's very true. And even a picture of water can be calming.
Woodepeckers are not local to our country which is why I find this post very interesting (in fact, the only woodpecker very familiar to me goes by the name of Woody) :D
Kidding aside, the photo of the dead tree, did it die due to the continous pecking of woodpeckers? Or do these birds pick out an already dead tree to store their loot (nuts)?
Anyway, thanks for sharing a very informative post.
Great post! I like your last picture as it looks like the water is very cool and fresh.
Just followed you I love going out and exploring nature. That woodpecker must have spent a long time to get all those holes in that tree.
A Sycamore tree then is a good tree because of the knots it accidentally makes which can be a good home for some animals.
I never knew that woodpeckers store food at the holes they make, its cool.
You got a good place there @donkeypong
The great outdoors... and also the animals both domesticated and wild. I have not seen a sycamore tree in person, only heard of the song The Sycamore Tree by country singer Paul Brandt.
if i watch directly in the photo without knowing theres a squerrel hiding. i wont notice it. first i though its only a hole.
Wonderful to walk with you and see all you saw. Obviously your hike was well worth while, hope the kids enjoyed their party too. Thank you donkeypong, keep 'em coming! Happy Steeming!
Such a treat to start the week. 🙂 These photos are beautiful. I love the creek and the trees. Those branches - somehow reminds me of my childhood playing hide and seek and climbing trees with the neighbor's kids.
Yes, some of these would make good climbing trees.
The trunks of the Sycamore trees almost look like a watercolor painting in a few of the photos! Love the little squirrels. I live in Panama and I've been noticing some very black squirrels we have here... they are actually not all black. They have a brown body, but black faces, arms, and tails. So cute! Great job, especially with a cell phone!
Watercolor: that's a wonderful way to describe these trees. Those patches on the bark remind me of something and maybe that's it: impressionist brush strokes? The squirrels there do sound cute.
Be nice to hang out there for a while. Had no idea about the difference in ground and tree squirrels. The one in the photo has a distinctly different coat than trees squirrels. I would have to wade into that water too! 🐓🐓
I have never heard of an acorn woodpecker, but what they did to that tree is incredible! I really enjoy your nature and wildlife posts. Not that I don't like your other posts, but I am particularly drawn into these, I think it may be your own passion for it coming through :)
Plus I dearly love nature, trees in particular. I've never been to the west which is something I plan to remedy in the next year, two at most. Spending time in the redwoods has always been a goal of mine, the pictures alone make me feel like I'm looking a something out of a fairytale.
Wow, acorn woodpeckers are beautiful, I love woodpecker's head, I wish to see one. Squirrels are also wonderful, very good in jumping and all that.
Beautiful pics!
very very amazing tree @donkeypong the tree seems the enjoyable place for birds.
It is a very big and old tree. Well how old is this tree?
great post :)
Let's plant some more trees :) I already did this here :)
Upvoted. I'll be resteeming this now :]
awesome pictures...I remember the passage in the Bible about sycamore tree ,the story of small Zaccheus who climbed the thorny tree just to see the Savior...thanks for sharing sir @donkeypong...
True beauty of nature.
wow..... nice photograpy. i like its and uipvoted.
It's really amaze me nice click to capture the nature beauty
Minnow creek 😂
Nice post
Great post @donkeypong
Such nice post thanks for sharing
nice photo..
good job..
The whale is behind the lens! Hehe. My fave photo is the dead tree that became an acorn bank. Great nature adventures @donkeypong! :D