BIRDING THE LUNE ESTUARY THE FOREST OF BOWLAND AND BEYOND................................................................................................................LITTLE OWL MARTIN JUMP

Sunday 30 January 2011

Always on the learn!


I'm always up for learning, have a lot of it to do, and certainly found a new word when I noted a very interesting one attached to the image below of  Beech leaves in winter. I reckon some of you may also be about to learn something here too. Thanks for this Linda....interesting and taught me something new. 


The foliage on this Beech tree is characteristic of a tree which retains its leaves during the winter period and which fall from the branch only when new growth comes in the spring. Oak and Chestnut trees are two other examples which present this state, though climatic conditions such as frost and wind can change this when leaves may drop in winter. And the description of this condition of winter leaves on trees is....Marcescence.

OK hold your hand up if you didn't already know that and don't be so macho! 

Stonechat. John Bateman.

An excellent pic of our nice little winter friend at Cockersands seen by JB again last Friday and remaining here as one of a very few to be currently found anywhere in our area and far beyond. Thanks for this John....Crested Stonechat Eh!

Whooper Swan. Brian Rafferty

A Whooper Swan pic with a difference. This is what I like BR, pics with a difference with many thanks.

I hope to do a 'little' birding tomorrow with luck.

3 comments:

  1. Didn't know that Pete ;-)

    I think I read somewhere that the beech doesn't drop its lower leaves, they protect the new buds from being deer browsed, apparently dead leaves taste bad !

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  2. A man after my own heart Warren....'if you don't know for goodness sake say so'.

    Interesting isn't it, and such a lovely word too.

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  3. Sorry Pete, although don't know why I'm apologising - I knew that...

    Cheers

    Davo

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