Enchanting Tree and other Fall Goodies

I did a U-turn when I passed this tree this morning.  Shrouded in fog, it's fall colors remained vivid, and I felt the enchantment of the scene as I stood there photographing it.  It was the first photograph I shot of the day, and it set the excitement level for the rest that followed on my travels.

                             When I turned around, these two webs were shimmering behind me.

The morning took a dramatic turn as I rounded a corner and came across a field, splendid with color and drenched in the golden rays of the sun.

        These blackbirds (and many more!) seemed to enjoy soaking up the brilliance of the surroundings.

                               I parked my car in front of this tree--took it's picture before I left.
                                                                          Stunning!

                         ...And.....  I couldn't resist taking this doe's picture right from my car window.
                                  (Rudolf isn't the only one with a shiny nose, don't you know!)
                      It's reddish coat fron summer, now changed to it's darker brown one for the season.

Emerging Colors of Fall

                                                    The transformation has begun! 
              The green of summer still lingers, but it's dappled with the colors of fall, now emerging.
                                                 I was loving these reflections of fall.

  The sound of croaking in the trees led me to this Great Blue Heron perched on a dead stump amonst them.

                           I was caught off-guard when a couple Blue Winged Teals flew past.

One of many White Egrets stood on this branch for a while.  I was surprised to find these birds so far in the northern part of New Jersey.

While color is emerging all around us, much vegetation loses it's color to varied tones of brown and beige.

                                      A pair of Great Blue Herons flew through the scene.

                               As did geese, honking their arrival........  and departure .......

While Gathering Kindling....

A couple of the trees on our property caught my eye...

                                                                  ...as did these berries...

Through a clearing, soaring overhead, was this hawk. 
One of the reasons I love living on the mountain is that the hawks fly so near!

Metamorphosis - Part II

The second of two monarch chrysalises that were given to me and my class recently was about to hatch!  I could tell by the color of the cocoon that at any time, a brand-new butterly was about to emerge.  Only....  it was late Friday afternoon!  The kids had such an amazing experience waiting and watching the first one emerge, and I didn't want them to be disappointed by missing this one, so I took it home with me over the weekend.

I was so disappointed I missed the process of emergence as it was actually underway, literally by only seconds, but thrilled at the sudden surprise at seeing the butterfly clinging to the cocoon!

I moved the container outdoors to acclimate it to the environment.

I promised the kids I'd take a picture of me with the butterfly so they can see their butterfly really did hatch.

Still clinging to the cocoon,  it's wings were soaking wet, hanging low, with a deep brilliance of color.

Then, looking at me, it began it's ascent, spreading it's wings wide open for the very first time!

I'd hoped it would crawl onto my finger, but I didn't want to disturb the natural readiness/willingness to, so I withdrew my hand.  I could sense this insect had an entirely different personality as that of the first butterfly that emerged.  It was a whole different experience.

Look at that color!!

Stunning!

At the top, the butterfly turned, and a new angle from a few steps over provided an undistracted background.

Again, I tried my fingers......

But then-----  I swear-----  it turned and waved at me!

It turned to face me directly and looked striaght into my eyes...

Spread it's wings.....

And lifted off!!

It flew around the backyard for a few seconds before choosing a tree to land on.  I tried to follow it the best I could!

And then it flew once again, and was gone!


Leaving behind the empty nest.

Settling back at the end of the day, thinking about the day's event, I was awed, overwhelmed and overjoyed to have gone through this experience--the birth of a new being, having the same impact as the birth of any creature!

Metamorphosis - Part I

I was given two monarch butterfly cocoons for my classroom so the kids could observe part of the life cycle of these butterflies. 

When they turn black, it's just a matter of days before they hatch.  I marveled when looking closely, to be able to see the wings inside the black chrysalis, and marveled, equally, at the tiny gilded, gem-like markings that shine in the light on the still-green one.  Nature sure is amazing, isn't it?? 

The first butterfly hatched during the school day last week, surprising everyone!  After waiting and wondering what exactly was inside, the kids were beyond excited when the butterfly first emerged from the black cocoon--now empty, and translucent.  It looks like blood on the towel--but it's not.  It's color from it's wings.

After a few hours we brought the butterfly outside.  Knowing they can tolerate gentle handling (some scientists actually write a number on their wings with a Sharpie, one website mentioned--not that we actually would!)  We allowed the children to experience what it would be like to have a butterfly light upon our fingers!  With the guiding hands of a teacher, the butterfly was passed from finger to finger. 

I don't know what I found more beautiful--the brand-new butterfly or the tiny hands that so lovingly and carefully held and passed along the delicate creature or the hands of the teacher connecting the two together!

This right here----this is the reason I do what I do.  This child's expression reflects how I was feeling at that moment--and every moment one more child 'gets it'.  When one more child smiles.  When one more child appreciates.  When one more child learns.  When one more child can 'speak' with nature.

To present new experiences which allow the pure joy of discovery--the ability to be fascinated by the most simple--yet complex things in our environment.  To be thrilled and wonder-filled!  To laugh and to share an upclose and personal connection with such a delicate being!  For me, to be the facillitator in these kinds of experiences, is what my life's all about.





It was time to release the butterfly to the wild.  It was placed on a branch where it remained for some time.

                          Hanging it's wings down low...  stretching them....  drying them... 

Although several minutes had passed, the butterfly was still under the watchful eye of one child who remained steadfast by the tree.  Two others then joined him by the fence and he pointed out the branch that the butterfly clung, and they watched a while longer.

And then it was gone!




Meanwhile, back in the classroom, the second chrysalis was beginning to turn dark.  We knew in a matter of days, it will be completely black and ready for the next butterfly to emerge!  Only.....  it would be over the weekend!  On Friday afternoon I took home the container holding the cocoons, to keep watch over it.  I promised the children I'd photograph the process so they wouldn't have to miss it.  Sure enough, Saturday morning, with soaking-wet wings, the second butterfly emerged! 

Stay tuned to the next post for an entirely different experience.




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