Cottonwood tree bark close up – Nikon D500, handheld, f7.1, 1/100, ISO 640, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 195mm, natural light
Being a tactile person, I appreciated getting close to and touching a cottonwood tree on the bank of the Jordan River on my walk last Sunday. The rough bark of the tree trunk made my fingertips tingle as I brushed them over the ridges and fissures. Nothing on the bark felt smooth and it felt warmer to my touch than the air surrounding me. It was only 44°F degrees when I parked my Jeep that morning.
Most often when I am in the field I primarily use two senses to find my subjects, those are my sight and hearing.
While I’m photographing birds or wild animals, I can only imagine how they would feel on my fingers and skin. Because they are wild, the only time I touch them is when I am rescuing a sick or injured bird or animal. Even then I limit touching them because my touch could stress the injured bird or animal or cause further damage to their injuries.
When I am walking instead of riding in a vehicle, I can get up close to rocks, trees, flowers, fruits, and leaves and actually feel them with my fingers and exposed skin. I can brush my hand against sagebrush and smell the earthy aroma of it on my fingertips which stimulates one of my other senses.
I couldn’t smell the bark of the cottonwood tree when I touched it, but I could feel the sturdiness and strength of that tree with my hands.
When I visited Australia for the first time in the late 90’s, I touched the bark of many kinds of gum trees, or as they are also known, eucalyptus trees. I was intrigued by how some were smooth to the touch, while others were almost spongy, some were rough, and a few felt as if I were touching hieroglyphics engraved on the tree trunks. Those gum trees fascinated me and I touched a lot of them. All these years later, I can still recall how they felt. Our sense of touch can create memories as strong as those created by sight, hearing, and smell.
Cottonwood leaf in autumn – Nikon D500, handheld, f7.1, 1/100, ISO 640, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light
With the leaves of the cottonwood tree easily within my reach I also had to touch them as well as the bark. They felt cooler to my touch than the surrounding air and they were smooth, almost silky. I picked one leaf and softly brushed it over the back of my hand. It tickled and I couldn’t suppress a smile.
I’ve cursed our cottonwood trees in Utah on more than one occasion because the “cotton” they produce in the spring gets into my eyes and irritates them. My eyes are very sensitive and I do my best to protect them from irritation. I need my eyes to spot the subjects I photograph.
Touching the bark of the cottonwood tree on Sunday reminded me that I really should appreciate these trees more than I do. They provide homes for birds and animals, they cool the areas below them, and they are gorgeous in all seasons. This fall along the Jordan River their sunny yellow colored leaves have been bright spots along the trail.
It would do me good to walk and use my tactile senses more often.
Life is good.
Mia
I believe that this tree is a Fremont Cottonwood. If I am incorrect, please let me know.
Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.
This cottonwood study is wonderful. I sometimes forget how beautiful and intricate bark is… until I really take the time to look at it. It is at once complex, protective and life sustaining. All life.
Only offer one word suits your cottonwood leaf shot…stunning! Thanks Mia.
I’m with you — one of my great joys is going out in nature and using my senses of touch and smell.
It has been a lovely fall this year. The Australian trees were fun. I touched and smelled them despite my Autralian friend telling me “Don’t touch anything, everthing in Autralia will kill you!” she knows I am tactile.
As a fellow tree hugger I hear you. And love the scent of our gum trees as well as their looks, the experience of touching them, and the shelter they provide.