It’s Never Too Early for a Forest Sunrise

If you’re feeling blue, perhaps you just need a little more indigo.

I love the cold, dark days of the autumn and winter seasons. But if you’re feeling sunshine-starved I encourage you to wake up extra early and watch the sunrise before you do anything else with your day.

We're just past the recent New Moon, but Full Moons are especially fortuitous times for sunrise-gazing. Remember this full moon sunrise in Philadelphia?

Sunrise Rhododendron

Snowy Hemlock Sunrise

Warm Winter Sunrise

It’s a warm, humid morning in Philadelphia (60 degrees Fahrenheit and rising). I’ve only been in Chester County, Pennsylvania for three winters, but each one has included some strange, unseasonably warm days often sandwiched between freezing days and big snows. Today the prediction is for rain and possibly thunder; by the speed of those low, lavender clouds – I suspect that we’re in for a wild new moon (accompanied by an equally electric solar eclipse). Time to plant!

The Light Through the Trees at Sunrise

Happy Solstice!

Morning Mulberry Trees

Some of you long-time Arborealists may recall the “mulberry mysteries” of last year.

To summarize for our new readers, during my first year in southeastern Pennsylvania I have learned that there are at least four varieties of mulberry trees growing domestically and semi-wild throughout the surrounding area. Furthermore, it is entirely possible that there are unique cultivars from cross-pollination, and that these varieties may be indistinguishable from common species (at least at first glance).

The four varieties I’ve read about include Red mulberry (Morus rubra), White mulberry (Morus alba), Black mulberry (Morus nigra), and Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera). They each have some distinguishing characteristics, but overall I have had limited success with telling them apart. According to The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region; Elbert L. Little, there are roughly 1400 species in the mulberry family (Moraceae) world-wide; in Eastern North America we can find five native and three naturalized species.

I can see common attributes among certain mulberries, so I know there are a few distinct varieties here at the farm. Characteristics include growth habit, over-all shape, leaf shape and texture, and preferred growing location. Still, there’s nothing definitive for me to point to which makes me confident with identification (not yet, that is).

Today’s images are of a particular species which is common around the farm (this one grows just outside the cottage, so I see it each morning). I believe this variety to be either the Black or the White mulberry.

If you have an opinion on this mulberry’s identity, or tips and tricks from your experience with identifying mulberries in your neighborhood, please do share! In the mean time, I will continue with the mulberry mystery chronicles. Sooner or later, we will find an answer.

Side note: the mulberry family Moraceae also includes the Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera).

Full Moon Sunrise

Nests Revealed

Ever since the trees lost their leaves with the autumn, I’ve been poking about and mentally cataloguing the nests around the farm. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to capture a few during a lovely sunrise to share with you today.

I'm not sure which nest belongs to which creature, but there are quite a few small birds' nests in the hedge, snuggled happily in the thorny Multiflora rose canes. The larger and higher nests of the latter two images likely belong to the gray squirrels.

While you’re enjoying these pictures from my walk, I’m working on drafting up what I learned during my interview last week with Director of the Open Space Preservation Department in Chester County. I can’t wait to share!

Frozen

Last Wednesday I watched the sun rise and the moon set over the frozen fields. Our ground froze completely for the first time last Tuesday night after several nights of semi-frozen earth. The world was so frosted that it looked as though it had snowed (and I certainly hope that it will in coming days).

Most of the trees have finally released the last of their leaves, with a few exceptions, and the evergreens are taking center stage. Tomorrow I’ll show you how great those evergreens look in morning sunlight!

How it all started

We were met with this righteous sunrise through the trees on our departure date of Friday, October 27th. Not a bad way to start a vacation!

Sunrise in the Forest Mist

Sunrise at the Farm

More on mulberries soon folks!

Solstice Greetings!

Happy Summer Solstice to everyone in the northern hemisphere, and Happy Winter Solstice to all in the southern hemisphere!

Sunrise Surprises

As I mentioned the other day, there is something new to see each sunrise around here, and this morning was no exception.

First off, hello moon!

You might recognize the bright greenery in the foreground of the first three images belonging to one of the many mystery trees we’ve been exploring. I am now even more confident that this is some type of maple, given the shape of the leaves. I’ve seen a few different maples around here, and I’ll be sure to share more with you in the future.

Our next door neighbors had an Easter egg hunt for their grandkids, and this morning I found “number 30” for their granddaughter hiding in the blossoms of one of the fruit trees along the driveway!

Next to the fruit tree we have another blossoming tree which only yesterday was covered in tiny pink buds. This one, I believe, is a type of wild cherry (although I may be mixing them up).

It’s getting hard to keep up with all this tree activity around the farm. I fear we may have an arboreal backlog!

Good morning!

Chasing the Sunrise

This morning we awoke to a dusting of snow flurries, and a clear crisp sunrise heralded by none other than Venus, the morning star herself.

I dashed out with my camera to try and get a few images for you while the rising sunlight still shone pink and gold on the trees. It's wonderful to watch the changing contrasts as the sun first touches the upper most branches, and works its way down the trunks.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to dip your paintbrush in the sunlight, and paint with sunrise-pink?

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had one outstanding sunrise this morning with the moon up near the zenith, and lovely pink spotty clouds. I didn't get to taking a picture until the colors had faded - but it's still gorgeous out there!

Today I am thankful for many things, not the least of which is the ability to enjoy one more sunrise! Happy Thanksgiving America!

Good morning Maple!

Sunrises like this are always a pleasure - they last but minutes, and stay with you all day long.