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I leave you some cherry plum blossoms and take a little break 🤗

As a witness to time and its relentless transformation, the young oak clings to its leaves. In its marcescence lies the beauty of both letting go and holding on - a reminder that the old remains rooted within us as we bravely embrace new paths of growth.🍂✨️🌿

Most trees shed their withered leaves at the onset of the dormant period. However, some species retain their withered leaves until the end of the dormant period, a phenomenon known as marcescence. This trait is typical for young oaks, while its occurrence in older oaks depends on the species.

The evolutionary reasons for marcescence are not clear. The tough, nutrient-poor leaves likely serve to shield the still delicate buds from being consumed. Additionally, the loud rustling sound they produce can act as a deterrent. The timing of leaf shedding also affects when essential nutrients become accessible through decomposition. Dry soils tend to retain moisture more effectively. Oak trees, in particular, demonstrate remarkable adaptation to dry and nutrient-poor soils.

Nature's hide-and-seek ❄️🦆☃️

Seemingly endless..
along the Grote Nete river.

A nice memory from today a year ago ✨🦥❤️🐑✨

As soon as the sun sets, a lot of lizards start scoping. Purple sky, golden reed. What's green is green and blue is hoping.

Some impressions of the area around Berlaar. Isn't it wonderful?☯️

European collared dove,
Streptopelia decaocto
(03/2021 in Berlaar, Belgium)

The original distribution of this pigeon species reached from Turkey to Japan. It has been spreading very quickly in Europe since the 1930s. The European collared dove appeared in Germany in 1945, in Belgium in 1950 and in Great Britain in 1953. In 1974, fewer than 50 doves escaped captivity in the Bahamas. They spread to Florida and now they are found in almost every state in the U.S. as well as in Mexico.

European collared doves are not migratory, but strongly dispersive. They breed close to human habitation. Almost every nest is within 1 km of inhabited buildings. They avoid forest areas, but need trees to breed (preferably conifers).

It was love at first sight..
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❤️🐑🐑🐑🌄