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View from the Tower

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

For those new to this blog, we have a 42' tall birding tower atop our house. It lets us see incredible things, opens up our eyes to the glory all around us. Many of our 184 species of birds have been seen first from this tower.

The tower is in its prime in May, September and October. Not only can you hear for a ridiculous distance all around, but you can see flyovers for miles. And oh, the trees. The beautiful trees.





Before it's too long gone, I have to show you some of the fall splendor we enjoyed from the birding tower on Indigo Hill. I look at these pictures, with the leaves now gone nearly a month, and can't believe what a feast it was. But it's gone until next October, and I'm glad I took so many photos.


The gold trees in the foreground are mostly sassafras, with some tupelo (red) worked in.

I suppose I could work on some kind of tourism board for southern Ohio, a place that probably does not spring to mind as a prime fall destination. But it is. It is achingly gorgeous. And it is in spring, too, except that the golds are replaced by filmy reds and greens and yellow.

The north view off the tower. All our weather comes from here.
Now panning northeast, turning clockwise:
East view, the front yard and vegetable garden (with Liam on a tire swing):
and looking south, down the meadow.
The sumac in the meadow was spectacular this year, painting a tapestry of reds and golds.
While the sunshine shots are lovely, I really dig the way autumn foliage looks when skies are leaden.
That same north view looks so different on a blue-grey day, especially when some of the leaves have fallen.
There's a fairy tale quality to the landscape.

I click and click, hoping to capture those qualities of light. Oh, my.
Oh, my oh my.


If you're intrigued by the tower and want to learn more, read the full story of its conception and execution at my web site, under Writings/A Room With a View.

17 comments:

Absolutely beautiful autumn colors for miles...I really enjoyed these photos. Thanks so much for sharing!

Them pitchers looks jest like a Mamaw Moses paintin'! p.s. you 'llow huntin?

Spectacular scenery! I never would have thought of Ohio for Fall Rhapsody tours...and I really wish I had a tower too. Thanks for sharing yours.

I am new to the site. Wonderful idea. Can you point me in the right direction to view some pictures of said tower??

Thanks
Baron

Sorry, forgot to give my e-mail in case you need it.

Hawkwatcher@Netscape.com

Thank
Baron

Oh my oh my oh my--that says it all.

Oh, wow.

Just spectacular Julie. Soaking it in...

What a wonderful sight on this dark and rainy November morning! We have very sandy soil here so unless we have a wet fall we don't get much color. This year was good here, but nothing like at your place. Amazing!

Beautiful pictures Julie. Thanks for sharing. You and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.

What a blessing to live with such beauty...

Yup, southern Ohio certainly is perfect for foliage watchin'. You did an excellent job capturing the glory in these photos. I, too, like the look of all that blaze of color against leaden skies, but I like it even better when there's leaden sky in one direction, and sunlight (preferably morning or evening sun) coming from the other direction. Looks like you have some of those kinds of photos here. Happy turkey day to your clan!

Oh, my, is right! Thanks for sharing that glory on this grey day. And only now could I comment on Chet and his fall - you got me with that one, tears in the eyes and a tightness in my chest as I read and read and...am so thankful he is fine and is still romping and playing and chasing chipmunks and squirrels.

Fairy Tale quality - yes. My favorites. So soft and delicate.

Julie,
Had to get our fall color fix from you this year. W. Montana had a super-early freeze - 7 degrees first week of Oct. - all leaves turned to toast overnight, so no glorious fall for us this year.
Montana Birder (met you at BB Festival in Great Falls - joined in trip to see McGown's Longspurs)

Those lovely fall days, with the perfect turn of color on the leaves, capped with the perfect slant of light.
It's not often days align like that.
So glad you've caught them to savor.

Come by the hills to the land
Where fancy is free.
Stand where the peaks meet the sky
And the rocks reach the sea...
Where the rivers run clear
And the bracken is gold in the sun,
And cares of tomorrow must wait
'Til this day is done.

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