Art and I lived in Illinois for a little over 35 years before moving back to Hawaii. However, we still see things to marvel at when we visit different parts of the country.
One thing we enjoyed seeing in Maryland was these holly trees. I used to decorate cards, bulletin boards, etc. in Illinois with holly leaves and berries during the winter but I don't think I ever actually saw a holly bush or tree in the area.
What a surprise to see these gorgeous holly trees in the neighborhood. I saw shorter holly bushes, but these were really tall bushes, more like trees. Admiring the glossy leaves and bright red berries made me see why they are often used as holiday decorations.
We couldn't get a closer shot with just our iPhones, but these turkey vultures were immense.
It was rather amazing to see these birds hunched over waiting for a meal to pop up.
It will be interesting to see what else we'll find the next time we travel to the East coast.
One thing we enjoyed seeing in Maryland was these holly trees. I used to decorate cards, bulletin boards, etc. in Illinois with holly leaves and berries during the winter but I don't think I ever actually saw a holly bush or tree in the area.
What a surprise to see these gorgeous holly trees in the neighborhood. I saw shorter holly bushes, but these were really tall bushes, more like trees. Admiring the glossy leaves and bright red berries made me see why they are often used as holiday decorations.
We couldn't get a closer shot with just our iPhones, but these turkey vultures were immense.
It was rather amazing to see these birds hunched over waiting for a meal to pop up.
It will be interesting to see what else we'll find the next time we travel to the East coast.
I don't think I've ever seen a holly tree. It's probably too cold here.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have seen a holly tree either
ReplyDeleteI see turkey buzzards all the time both in VT and FL. Generally, it is too cold for holly to grow in VT but a former colleague who lived very close tot he lake had a bush she planted near her house that did very well. I guess it was carefully sheltered.
ReplyDeleteHolly is supposed to be wild in Florida, but I have yet to see it anywhere but in a plant nursery. There is supposed to be a variety that is native here so if/when I move down full time and I plant my Florida native landscape maybe I will look for some. I did learn only the female plants produce berries.
I have hollies in my yard which get beautiful berries that last no time at all before the birds eat them! We call turkey vultures "buzzards" around here and a neighboring township has a festival every year to celebrate their return. https://www.tripsavvy.com/buzzards-of-hinckley-752532 I find them rather intimidating!
ReplyDeleteTurkey buzzards/vultures are very big birds. We enjoy seeing them float on the wind. Their circling means there's carrion somewhere below. They wait for it to be just ripe before devouring it. They are very smelly birds so you don't want to get close.
ReplyDeleteHolly grows as a tree here in Maryland in the woods. The bushes are landscape plants that have been grown that way and I'm not sure are true holly. The trees are male or female. The latter has the berries. We had a lovely holly tree growing in our yard but alas no berries, must have been a male.
I had a holly bush in my side yard once, and it was a sticky wicket.
ReplyDeleteIf you keep your eyes open you see many interesting things.
ReplyDeleteI think holly is exquisite and I admire those who can grow it.
ReplyDeleteTurkey vulture is amazing here in CA
ReplyDeleteI love our holly berries and find the turkey vultures fascinating. Fun photos, thank you Kay :)
ReplyDeleteWow never saw holly in it's natural state, very cool. I remember going to Oklahoma City and seeing for the first time squirrels, crows and raccoons, it was awesome. Of course mainlanders scoff as that's everyday for them but not to us in Hawaii. When you see it in person it gave me the size of them and I was surprised how huge crows were, same when I saw my first seagulls -BB
ReplyDeleteIt surprises me that so many have commented that they have never seen holly bushes/trees. The birds plant them everywhere here, and we are always pulling seedlings out of the garden. As it is, we have a whole hedge of holly that we planted many years ago from bird planted seedlings. Of course since we prune it, it doesn't have berries, but we have a few bushes that do get berries.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing travelers! Our vultures have flown for the season!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is pretty. I thought holly is destructive, but that might only be the invasive ones here in the Pacific Northwest. Sure is nice to look at, though. :-)
ReplyDelete