2016 tree following 6: It’s in the details
July 10, 2016 by squirrelbasket
Sunshine through oak leaves, July 2016
It’s the height of summer and the pedunculate oak (Quercus Robur) in the middle of Thompson’s Park, Cardiff, is looking remarkably healthy for such an old tree.
Mostly it is one mass of leathery green leaves, so I had to inspect it closely for some time before I found anything to report.
I was eventually pleased to spot a few interesting details as well as taking pictures of the usual “general views”.
The sun was high in the sky so the oak’s shadow forms a small puddle beneath it
As usual the pigeons are on top of the tree…
This one has lovely eyes – feral pigeons are a variation of rock doves (Columba livia domestica)
There is a lot of mildew warping the leaves of oaks I have seen on the riverbank recently, but this oak seems to have escaped apart from one or two leaves…
Mildewed leaves
Some of the leaves seem to be mottled, as if growing thin from within
Dead leaves on a snapped twig
This late in the season there still seem to be a few new red/gold shoots
This one looked interesting…
…and I do so wish this were an insect or grub of some sort – but it’s probably just a very symmetrical blob of bird poo!
Have I noticed this triangular hole in a branch before? Probably
Now this WAS interesting (ignoring the white ring of bird poo) – I suspected it was some sort of strippy gall…
…it’s almost like a bean pod
I think I have found out what it is – perhaps a ram’s horn gall? If so, it is formed by the larvae of the wasp Andricus aries. You may recall that I have already spotted oak marble galls on this tree, created by a related wasp, Andricus kollari.
This mature specimen shows why it’s called a ram’s horn gall – the picture is from the Hawk Conservancy Trust – click on the image to go to the source
Of course I would love to see acorns, but I am not hopeful. I had trouble finding any female flowers earlier in the year and I wouldn’t know a baby acorn if I saw one.
No idea if these are new flower or leaf buds or developing acorns…
…ditto these lumpy bits
The tree’s bark still attracts me – not sure if this is white lichen or pigeon poo
This was the size of a chocolate button but is a rusty old nail – I wonder what notice was pinned to the tree so long ago?
There is little under the tree now it is so dark under there – just a few daisies. But if you get it from the right angle…
Colourful bedding plants beyond the tree – this time last month the bed was bare and being planted
From this direction you can see the branches stretch out over to the left from the trunk on the right, but it’s hard to see against other dark trees behind it
So the oak is keeping up appearances so far, but I wonder what August will bring – it’s usually my least favourite month for tree following as things get a bit tired and messy.
See everyone else’s July tree-following news on this link.
See what tree following is all about here.
See all my posts about trees here.
Nice treat to find the young shoots–beautiful colors!
Yes, I have fond memories of spring when the whole tree was red and gold!
Best wishes 🙂
stunning have a blessed day
Thank you.
Best wishes 🙂
The gall looks amazing I have never seen any of those before. They do look like a ram’s horn when they are all dried. i would have to look at oak trees more closely. As you know I did join in “Following a tree” a number of years ago, you do notice so much more when you are participating. I have been helping at our Community orchard, we noticed this week that all the apples are a mainly on one side of the trees this year. The blossom on the other side must have been affected by strong winds.
I’m so glad you showed me the Quaker burial ground here. We have visited it several times and it is always full of wildlife and flowers.
Sarah x
Thank you so much!
I always welcome a link to a tree-type post at this time of the month, even if you aren’t following a particular tree. You don’t have to post every month, you can just dip in occasionally.
And I am delighted the Quaker plot was a new one for you, as you have shown me so many things to enjoy down there in Dorset.
Best wishes 🙂
Pat, I feel the same about the trees in summer once the leaves are out, but it is surprising when you look close you can find things you would normal miss, it is one of the reasons I like tree following, it makes us stop and look close, you found some interesting things, especially the gall, it’s shape, I like the triangular hole too, a pixie house, Frances
Thank you.
But don’t say pixie house! We’ll have people putting in those twee little doors all over the place!
Best wishes 🙂
oh heaven forbid no! sorry I wasn’t even thinking along those lines but more pure magic of other worlds, imagination only, Frances
Sorry, I hope I didn’t come over as too harsh! I have actually enjoyed some of the online news stories about woodland with elf doors, but “not in my back yard”…
Best wishes 🙂
Time flies doesn’t it? Doesn’t seem possible your Oak is now at its peak already. The Ram’s Horn Gall is wonderful- I’ve never seen one before. I wonder if your ‘blob’ might be a Horned Treehopper? Looks the right shape & colour etc, not sure about the size of it though.
I would be thrilled if it were an insect! I can see why you suggest that one, after looking at images, although I see no sign of wings…
Best wishes and thanks for dropping by 🙂