Sumac’s Candelabra

Another Snow-Capped Day!

Another Snow-Capped Day!

Red sumac seeds are an important source of bird food, precisely because they simply stay on the plant long enough to be part of the winter scenery. This makes them the perfect emergency food for all sorts of birds during the long winter months.  Bluebirds, black-capped chickadees and robins will feed on sumac seeds in winter and early spring when there is little else for them to eat; it’s not their favorite food source, but there are times when it isn’t prudent to be picky.

And going in a totally different direction, I found a bit of poetry with an interesting reference to the sumac:

The sumac’s candelabrum darkly flames.
And I speak to you with the land’s voice,
It is the cold, wild land that says to you
A knowledge glimmers in the sleep of things:
The old hills hunch before the north wind blows.
~ Howard Nemerov (American poet, 1920-1991)

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Didn’t know that about the sumac. Always wondered how some birds survive the harsh winter. Lovely image.

  2. Richard Lovison says

    “A knowledge glimmers in the sleep of things:”

    I like that. 🙂

  3. Awesome poem and a great shot.

  4. yum snowcones

  5. Lovely shot of something that I really love to see when I’m out!

  6. Lovely post. 🙂

  7. As usual, I enjoyed your photos and your words very much! I decided to leave my note to you here..for it tugged at my heart. 🙂

    I hope you are staying well and warm!

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