Gros Oaks

May is a phenomenal month. The Wind blows from the SW and the Sun is now well north of the Equator. The increasingly direct insolation primes the area for flowers, insects, and birds galore.  Most sources indicate that oak trees are Wind pollinated (anemophilous), but below is some evidence that shows other modes of pollination are also in use. 

Here is a rose-breasted grosbeak that is stuffing its mega beak with white oak catkins. This male was seen at Forest Park, Queens County. He was jumping from branch to branch eating the strings of male flowers. He was also seen chomping up American sycamore samaras (2nd photo below).  Both the white oak and American sycamore are native trees that are part of a bigger picture. Keeping in mind how much habitat we have usurped, please consider planting natives when landscaping. 

American sycamore samaras hanging.