Bud BURST!

Uploaded: April 21, 2012 03:40:00

Description

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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

Comments

Carolyn M. Fletcher level-classic April 21, 2012

No thanks, I'll leave the cone eating to you. Interesting info, and a cool shot! #1457876

Michelle Alton April 21, 2012

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
#10102252

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe April 21, 2012

Excellent detail and close-up capture - Great info too! #10102253

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe April 21, 2012

Interesting info and great details. #10102288

Kevin P. Kreischer April 21, 2012

Excellent macro shot Michelle! #10102300

Jack Gaskin April 21, 2012

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 #10102360

Agnes Fegan level-deluxe April 21, 2012

Wonderful shot and great info as always. I sometimes watch a show called "Survivor Man" ... he would love to eat that! #10102442

frank 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. #10102464

Tiia Vissak April 21, 2012

a great close-up! #10102518

Monnie 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! #10102578

Ann Coates level-classic April 21, 2012

You always have such interesting info. I think I will skip on the eating thing too. A beautiful capture Michelle. #10102807

John Connolly April 21, 2012

An interesting image and information Michelle! I think I will pass on the bush tucker bit though! #10102978

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic April 21, 2012

Gorgeous colour and detail Michelle. #10103509

Barbara Waldoch April 22, 2012

Beautiful capture, Michelle! #10103597

Robert K. Bemus level-classic April 22, 2012

Beautiful MT image, Michelle!! #10105068

Leslie McLain level-classic April 23, 2012

Beautiful macro, Michelle. #10105326

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