Birds and Berries

Birds and Berries, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The small crab apples cling to the tree. The leaves have fallen. On a rainy day the birds swoop down to feast on the fruit. This is a great source of food through the winter. Sometimes some of the fruit lasts until spring at which point it has started to ferment. I can remember in my childhood, seeing birds flying erratically after they had feasted on some. I don't think there was permanent damage - it was amusing to see these drunken fowl.

Day 133: Crab Apple Blossoms

Day 133: Crab Apple Blossoms, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The evening air is heavy with the scent of blossoms. Each day new fragrances make their presence known: crab apples, lilacs and blossoms whose names are not part of my lexicon. Walking is an olfactory experience.

These trees are wearing their finery. The magnolias have cried their tear shaped petals; the trees look bereft as their pale green leaves have not yet grown enough to cover their nakedness. Each year they cycle through the phases of growth reminding us that outer beauty is temporary.