SPRING AND MOTHS WHEN YOU ARE EIGHT YEARS OLD

"Nice bush," said the boy, slowing his bike.

"Elderberry," I called.

He looked back, surprised. Then he pedaled faster to catch his fast moving flock of friends.

I don't know whether he was surprised because the tree has a name or because I spoke.

Either way, he was wrong about the tree. It is not a 'nice bush'. It's lost its shape. It's flat faced. Shaved back. But . . . BUT . . . little leaves are sprouting and tiny flower buds less than a centimeter across are clearly visible. (Clearly visible, that is, if you are prepared to stick your eyes up close to the surprise of passing boys.)

* * *

There's one boy I know who wouldn't be surprised in the least - naturalist Sonny Riddell who lives and observes in Dumfries-shire, Scotland. Last year, Sonny (who is eight) presented a short documentary called 'Signs of Spring'.

Sonny (whose birthday is next Wednesday!) is enthusiastically interested in the natural world - especially in moths. Of his presentations, my favourite is about Moths and Moth Traps.

* * *

NEXT
On the Loose and Leafy Tree Following Page, I've offered to publish observations on behalf of Tree Followers who have no other way of posting them to the internet. Tree Watcher is the first to have emailed me material. (Magnolia.) It's quite substantial so I've set up a companion blog called 'Other People's Pictures'. If you are a reader without a blog who would like to post about your tree - please send your material by 1st April at the latest. I know this is a bit early but I'll need a bit of time to get it ready in time for the Tree Following Link Box on the 7th of the month.

Three topics. Three pigeons. One tree.

What tree?

Sycamore?

* * *

LINKS

Sonny Riddell - Signs of Spring

Sonny Riddell - Moths and Moth Traps
'Tree Watcher's' first Tree Following Post - Tree Following By Mail

For links to Tree Following posts in the March Link Box - CLICK HERE.

Tweet