Bud BURST! [Ice & Snow Pictures]
Uploaded: April 21, 2012 03:40:00
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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.
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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.)
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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!
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[MT]
Exif: F Number: 3.5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 63.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Carolyn M. Fletcher April 21, 2012
No thanks, I'll leave the cone eating to you. Interesting info, and a cool shot! #1457876Michelle Alton April 21, 2012
Karen E. Michaelsmember since: 8/24/2004
Great burst. The red pops and you have such clarity, Michelle.
4/21/2012 3:43:05 AM
#10102252
Jeff Robinson April 21, 2012
Excellent detail and close-up capture - Great info too! #10102253Tammy M. Anderson April 21, 2012
Interesting info and great details. #10102288Kevin P. Kreischer April 21, 2012
Excellent macro shot Michelle! #10102300Jack Gaskin April 21, 2012
NICE SHOT WONDERFUL NARRATIVE !!!Agnes Fegan April 21, 2012
Wonderful shot and great info as always. I sometimes watch a show called "Survivor Man" ... he would love to eat that! #10102442frank w. degenhardt April 21, 2012
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. #10102464Tiia Vissak April 21, 2012
a great close-up! #10102518Monnie Ryan April 21, 2012
Very interesting and a terrific capture, Michelle! I've tasted white and purple clover and dandelion greens, but think I'll pass on this! #10102578Ann Coates April 21, 2012
You always have such interesting info. I think I will skip on the eating thing too. A beautiful capture Michelle. #10102807John Connolly April 21, 2012
An interesting image and information Michelle! I think I will pass on the bush tucker bit though! #10102978Heather Loewenhardt April 21, 2012
Gorgeous colour and detail Michelle. #10103509Barbara Waldoch April 22, 2012
Beautiful capture, Michelle! #10103597Robert K. Bemus April 22, 2012
Beautiful MT image, Michelle!! #10105068Leslie McLain April 23, 2012
Beautiful macro, Michelle. #10105326Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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