Cotinus in November

Defiant Nature

This post is a tribute to the defiance and resilience of Nature.  Less than a year ago this sycamore was severely pollarded but, not to be defeated, it has since produced scores/hundreds of new shoots.  And now, remarkably, despite the savage onslaught of storm ‘Abigail’ and the ferocious winds of ‘Barney’, the last few leaves are clinging on for dear life.  How incredible is that!

Woodland Sketches

I have referred to the two photographs below as  Woodland Sketches  –  the title seemed appropriate  –  but they are actually shots of a fruit tree growing in the neighbouring churchyard but overhanging my garden. The term ‘sketch’ is used to describe the light-handed, slightly impressionistic representation.  Click on the images to enlarge if preferred.

 

 

Two from the reservoir

The fog that shrouded the reservoir made distance shots difficult  –  the blurring of shapes caused focusing problems for the camera.

However, the still, smooth water provided an inviting playground for the water fowl  –  the coots, moorhens, tufted ducks, grebes etc.  They dipped and dived excitedly while the swans glided elegantly and disdainfully by.

The first picture shows a coot  having just surfaced  –  hence the ripples.  (I have two other shots of just ripples, the bird having dipped at the crucial moment!)

At the water’s edge a mosaic of colourful, floating autumn leaves broke up the reflections of the trees to which they once belonged.

Frosty morning 3

Frosty morning 3

See also Cold and frosty morning, Hoar frost on berries, Frost on Bamboo leaves

Cotinus in Autumn

Cotinus in Autumn

See also Shades of Autumn, Forsythia leaves in Autumn, Spectre of Autumn, Lilac leaves pattern, Autumn silhouette

Spectre of Autumn

Spectre of Autumn

See also Shades of Autumn, Forsythia leaves in Autumn, Autumn silhouette, Lilac leaves pattern, Cotinus in Autumn