When the Oaks were at the peak of flowering last month in the Rush Creek Open Space across the street, I could see the red blush of the catkins from my kitchen window.

California native Oak, flowering catkins, Rush Creek Open Space

So, I took the day off. Nothing seemed more important that day than exploring the beauty with my camera.

There is always one day, one moment when any shrub or tree reaches its peak bloom.  Right now, Cherry Tree Festivals are happening all over the world.  The Japanese, who so prize quiet, zen gardens, revere the cherry trees for exactly the reason the flowers are so fleeting.

May get just as excited by the Oak trees ?

This tree, Quercus kelloggii, California Black Oak, at this moment: exactly Lat38,7.1112N; Long122,33.7015W; was photographed on Feb.26, 2016 at 10:10:41AM; from a camera angle bearing west 253*

Camera photographing Oak - Lat38,7.1112N; Long122,33.7015W; Feb.26, 2016 10:10:41AM; bearing west 253*

I knew I wanted to create an extraction, pulling the branch out of the landscape as a photobotanic illustration.

Before and After Slider

A true moment in time on the amazing earth.

Oak trees on Pinheiro Ridge - Google Earth

Oak trees on Pinheiro Ridge – Google Earth

 

I will go into detail in a longer, how-to article. The final piece, which will be titled by its PPS location:

Quercus kelloggii, California native Black Oak, flowering catkins, Rush Creek Open Space; Lat38,7.1112N; Long122,33.7015W; Feb.26, 2016 10:10:41AM; bearing west 253*

Yummy.  I love it