Hackberry Water Bowl

Here was an unusual growth at the base of a Hackberry.

Pond and Willow

Found this pond along a trail and sure enough there is willow below where the water goes when the pond drains.

Bitternut Hickory Leaves

I see this tree all the time in the off season. The orange/yellow buds are obvious. Here is a low lying example of the leaves.

Moly, my dog, passes underneath.

Flowers

Ohio Buckeye

The flowers, which are tubular attract ruby-throated humming birds.

There is a possibility that this is a Sweet Buckeye and not an Ohio. I am going back to recheck this tree tomorrow to see the difference between the end buds. Sweet has smooth end buds while Ohio has ridged. Sweet Buckeye is not supposed to grow in Missouri.

I checked the end bud and it is stiff making it an Ohio Buckeye.

Weed Flowers:?

Storm Front

7:08 AM May 6th 2007

Missouri River May 9th 2007 Near Flood