Bud BURST!

	Bud BURST! ---- This is a pollen bud on a very mature Norway Spruce at the top of our driveway. The bud cones first appear in early Spring (depending on conditions during Autumn and Winter) as a beautiful little red cone about a half inch long, "frosted" with white pollen. ---- It quickly begins to elongate as the pollen icing thickens. If you brush against the branch or flick the bud gently with your finger, a cloud of white pollen is released (if anyone is wondering why the Spring allergy season is so intense this year in SE Pennsylvania.) ---- The bud then turns yellowish brown, after which a beautiful bunch of new light green needles appears and grows rapidly. I read in a book about foraging that the new clump of needles is a healthy and delicious delicacy. I've tasted many, and the jury is still out on "delicious." But if you see such a clump (much lighter in color than the older needles)--break it off and pop it into your mouth! ------ [MT] © Michelle Alton Canon EOS 5D Mark ...

To love this question, log in above
4/21/2012 3:43:58 AM

Karen E. Michaels
karenemichaels.com

member since: 8/24/2004

Great burst. The red pops and you have such clarity, Michelle.
4/21/2012 3:43:05 AM

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 3:48:55 AM

Excellent detail and close-up capture - Great info too!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 3:50:01 AM

Interesting info and great details.

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 4:08:49 AM

Excellent macro shot Michelle!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 4:15:10 AM

NICE SHOT WONDERFUL NARRATIVE !!!
Some how I just can not picture you taste testing pine needles !!!
I should have you look up Cat-Tails and you'll be running down to a near by pond for a taste test.

Happy Dining
Jack

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 5:17:57 AM

Wonderful shot and great info as always. I sometimes watch a show called "Survivor Man" ... he would love to eat that!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 6:14:07 AM

That was enjoyable reading, leaned alot about what we see so often. I always enjoy reading all the information about a picture. Beautifully composed, love the dof, and the focus on the tip of the branch. Way to go my friend.

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 6:27:52 AM

a great close-up!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 7:13:36 AM

Very interesting and a terrific capture, Michelle! I've tasted white and purple clover and dandelion greens, but think I'll pass on this!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 7:47:33 AM

You always have such interesting info. I think I will skip on the eating thing too. A beautiful capture Michelle.

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 11:41:05 AM

An interesting image and information Michelle! I think I will pass on the bush tucker bit though!

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 1:55:41 PM

Gorgeous colour and detail Michelle.

To love this comment, log in above
4/21/2012 10:45:12 PM

Beautiful capture, Michelle!

To love this comment, log in above
4/22/2012 1:36:23 AM

Beautiful MT image, Michelle!!

To love this comment, log in above
4/22/2012 11:21:41 PM

Beautiful macro, Michelle.

To love this comment, log in above
4/23/2012 4:44:41 AM