Trees are wonderful.

Trees along the waters edge can be beautiful.

Trees in winter are amazing.

Trees in spring are amazing.

Trees are just simply wonderful.

In case you haven’t noticed, I love trees.

My favorite trees (right now) are the trees along state-line road (Highway 161) along the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

For some reason these trees call to me, just like the culvert along this same road that begs to be photographed.

Who knows how long the trees have been along the waters edge.  What have they seen?  Drought?  Wet winter and spring?  Think of the birds and other wildlife that enjoy them as well.  How many critters have been raised in a tree, and how many eggs have been laid in a nest hanging high in a tree.  Life, Spring, Hope.  Trees are all that.  And More.

As a child, I was not one of those kids that climbed trees.  I think it was a fear of heights thing.  I was guilty of carving a name or two in an aspen tree.  Those trees, I am sure are long gone.  But the cluster of Aspen trees was beautiful.  White bark against spring green or the yellows of fall.

Where we live, we have Ponderosa Pine trees and Juniper Trees, amongst other various trees, but mostly tall Ponderosa trees.  I grew up with them in Montana, and I love to listen to the wind blowing through the tops the trees.  My sister lives in a heavily wooded area as well, and has many different trees, she has some  trees that will hit other trees when the wind blows, it’s makes for an eerie sound, but all in all, it’s very relaxing.  As long as they don’t topple

The Lower Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge has beautiful meaningful trees. The Eagles and other raptor types nest in these trees, year after year.  The Willows.

These trees are closed off to the public from the first of March, to the middle of  July, so the young fledglings have time to grow.  Less disturbance is best for the baby birds.

There are live trees, and there are “Snag” trees along the waters edge of the Refuge, and they all have an importance.

One of the snag trees is off the main road and on a side road.  We saw something in the tree, we knew it was a raptor of some sort, but weren’t really sure what it was.  Much to our surprise it was a large raptor facing the sunshine with the wings out enjoying the first warm spring day.

Much to my surprise it was a beautiful juvenile Golden eagle.  Such a gorgeous bird.  I was able to walk around a bit and capture this glorious bird before it flew off to who knows where.

The next morning we headed back out to the refuge.  And again, in this snag tree was another large bird.

A juvenile Bald Eagle.  No matter how often I see these birds they still take my breath away.

I love the trees along the water.  I drive the road the same direction most times. When we decide to reverse the direction, it’s a whole new tree!  Still serene and peaceful.

With leaves and with out.  They’re beautiful either way.

Winter can be harsh, but the frost has a beauty as well.

Add some photoshop magic to the same tree and it’s even more beautiful by the waters edge. Or in this case, the icy edge.

Trees are beautiful no matter where they sit.  Along the water, along a ditch, in a field, in a park, or in your yard  They are homes.  They are shelter. They are strong.  They bring us shade on a hot summer day, and they bring us beautiful fall leaves for scrap books and memories. Trees can be dramatic.  Including the snag trees.  Not to mention, the commercial products that we use everyday from trees.  We kind of need those!

Whether you live in the city, the country, or the forest.  Trees are everywhere.

Go outside, find some trees.  See what you can find.  Hang a bird feeder, hang a bird house!  Don’t forget to photograph the beautiful tree!

Happy Shooting!

T Lynn