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| Remember this tree? (August 2022) |
Given how lovely it's been in the Laramie Mountains, I decided to check on the Balsam Poplar I
followed last year instead of this year's junipers. Indeed it was a gorgeous day at Happy Jack, and warm enough, even at 8000 ft, that I chose the shady trail.
The old poplar was as I remembered—long past its prime yet still producing leaves. No matter that the canopy is less than magnificent, the trunk sprouting suckers. This is an impressive tree!
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| Canopy catching the sun. |
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| Ancient trunk with vigorous suckers. |
In keeping with tradition, we finished the hike with a visit to the
Carboniferous Pond, named for its multitude of dragonflies.
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| Dragonflies are so abundant here that I accidentally nabbed one in this photo (arrow, click to view). |
To get an actual dragonfly photo, I tried a new strategy—focusing the lens and waiting until one flew across my field of view. Results (or luck) seemed to improve with time. Dragonflies are quick and "spectacularly agile ... they can propel themselves upwards, downwards, backwards, forwards, side to side, and they can even hover in midair! This is due to the magnificent construction of their two sets of wings." (
more here)
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| Dragonfly against reflections of sky, clouds, sedges—très artistique? |
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| Got one, |
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| ... and another, |
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| ... and another, |
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| ... etc. |
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| Finally a good one, with wings! (click to view) |
This is my contribution to the monthly gathering of tree followers kindly hosted by
The Squirrelbasket. Looking for a good time?
Join us!
It looks like a beautiful place to hike, and you've had great weather, right? The tree looks commanding and healthy.
ReplyDeleteIncredible weather, Beth ... beautiful days, not too hot, a bit of rain late afternoon–evening. Hope you have good weather too!
Deletean impressive balsam poplar for sure! The balsams here are rather straight, not with such a wide spread crown, and here i haven't notice suckers like that. Is this the mother tree of the forest, are do they often get like that in your woods?
ReplyDeletejozien, that's interesting. Balsam poplars are rare this far south, patchy from what I've read. This tree is in a very small stand in a mesic drainage bottom. There are a few large trees and then the full range of suckers to saplings to small trees. Maybe the moist habitat is why they are doing well.
DeleteYes patchy here too, but I have to say, here with our increasingly wetter summers, i do see more balsam poplars.
ReplyDeleteGood post and pictures. I rarely see dragonflies here but saw one this morning so your pictures and link were of interest. xx
ReplyDeleteNice to hear of your dragonfly encounter :)
DeleteGood to see your tree from last year again! Dragonflies and damselflies are amazing, I've been lucky to see a lot this year.
ReplyDelete