Sunday, April 25, 2010

samaras?





Despite what we humans tend to do to ourselves, the simpleness of the act somehow helps to restore faith in the natural order. Quiet. Gentle. Divine. The maples that bloomed in late winter have completed the process. Yesterday, the slightest wind dislodged their ripe winged seeds called keys (or more formerly—samaras). Without fanfare, nature’s perfectly designed auto-rotating helicopters gently glided to the ground. The keys begin to twirl and ride the wind as soon as they are released from the branch.

When we were kids, we'd play with them endlessly. Toys were much cheaper back then. It’s a lovely thing to watch.

- Photo Ijams Nature Center

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