 Anticipation - Awaiting the Blueberries
Lowbush blueberries just starting to show a hint of blue on the summer solstice. Photos by Jocelyn Hubbell.
I’m following the slow progress of the ripening of the blueberries in the woods and eagerly anticipating that first handful picked and destined for my mouth rather than the bucket. The delicious combination of sweet and tart with earthy undertones. The lowbush blueberry is worth the wait. And, on this summer solstice day, we must also wait for the sunshine. It will do me and the blueberries good when it arrives!
The beautiful bell-shaped white blossoms that appeared in May provided nectar and pollen to insects as an enticement to visit the flowers. Because the pollen is so sticky and heavy, it cannot be blown around by the wind like pine pollen. Some bees vibrate each flower with their flight muscles as they collect the pollen. This buzzing activity (sonication) shakes pollen off the anthers, making it easy for the bee to collect. It also increases the likelihood that pollination will occur. If all goes well, a bumper crop of berries will follow.
|
While awaiting blueberry picking season - typically mid-July through August and into early September, depending on the location in Maine:
|
As Carly Simon sings, “Anticipation is keepin’ me waitin’.”
Share Nature Note with your friends, family, teachers, scouts, and anyone you think might be interested. Here is how they can sign up for a free subscription:
Read back issues online.
Suggest a topic by email; put Nature Note in Subject line and email Jocelyn Hubbell.
|
