We’ve lived in our home for over 20 years and have seen many changes in nature in our yard. Like this old gum tree tree, once lush and green and a haven for native bird life. We see it from our decking and I’ve written about it before in Home Among the Gum Trees. It once stood tall and proud but today, after years of disease and pest infestation, it’s lush beauty has long disappeared.
Still, it’s strangely beautiful. Even without leaves the dark branches look eerily stunning against a cloudy canvas sky.
Just two nights ago the sky behind it was ablaze with color, and the tree contrasted against a beautiful winter sunset.
Every morning I wake to the sound of birds. Cockatoos, King parrots, Galahs, Rainbow Lorikeets, all make their home in the tree. And they often visit us.
Today, on a gray Tuesday, its stark limbs were trimmed.
I spoke to the guy who was harnessed to the tree and to his partner on the ground. I asked how much of the tree they were cutting. He said, just enough to make it safe. I voiced my sadness for the birds. I think my words were “I feel sad for the birds that are losing their home”.
He said to me there were many holes in the ends of the branches. Open for the birds to return to shelter and protect their young.
Today its top was lopped. Its scraggly branches were cut off. I watched from our decking as it was refined and I have to admit by the time the job was finished the tree looked neat. Like it had been preened. Ready for new visitors.
I have no doubt they’ll return.
So now this is my view. It’s half what it used to be.
It’s down but not out. And it reminds me that everything in life has a purpose, even a half cut down tree that still harbors a home for bird-life.
May we all be healthy and strong, not be afraid to stand out in the open just like this old gum tree that’s had to struggle for survival all these years but still endures.
Sometimes we have to scale back to be healthy and strong.
I wish you all a happy week ahead as we continue the journey.
Feeling bad at the end by watching the half cut down tree. But tree branches are really stunning in the background of wispy clouds.
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Yeah, I had mixed feelings as it was being cut down, but it had to happen, and it’s much safer now.
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Yeah, that’s true. But the photos came very well with its dark brown branches in the background of sunset sky.
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Glad it’s still standing, look forward to more photographs as it changes with the seasons.
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Me too Ruth, though I don’t know it’ll be changing any time soon.
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I hope it can grow strong once again- it is always sad to see a tree fall to disease. It is beautiful against the sky
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I agree Lisa, it’s stunning and kind of eerie at night.
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Wonderful post again. Lovely pictures and the colors of the sky are just amazing. The only thing I felt sad was the birds losing their homes. Thanks for sharing my dear.
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Those lovely skies I like to call Sky horses passing…hope the birds adapt, as we all must. Fine writing- thank you.
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And thank you for your lovely comment. 🙂
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We used to have alone avocado tree here. All that remains now is about a yard long main trunk. Every rainy season, it absorbs so much rain water and that is quite bad for the roots. It died on us a few years ago.
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Yes, we’ve lost a lot of trees here too over the years, but for opposite reasons, lack of water and drought. Sad really but that’s life.
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Wow…the images, brilliant photography!
I hope the tree grows strong again.
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Thanks Rashmi! xo
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Marvelous pics
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Thanks.
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My pleasure. You rock
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Those first tree photos of the tree were lovely Miriam. It is truly magnificent. I always fall inlove with nature every time I see the pictures that you post.
I didn’t realize how big the tree was until I saw the guy who was harnessed to it. I feel kind of sad to see the tree got trimmed. It’s like its glory being taken away from it…but like you said, it was needed. I do hope the birds would still find it a comfortable home to live in. Thanks for sharing Miriam. The pictures are totally worth a thousand words! ☺
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Aw, you’re so kind Nina and yes, it was kind of sad to see the tree trimmed, but needed. I’ve already seen a few birds in the tree tonight so hopefully they’ll still find a nice refuge there!
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That’s nice to know (I’m smiling knowing that!) ☺
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Nature’s cyclical balance.
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Great advice. Sometimes we do have to scale back. Life is a dance. Like a cha cha sometimes a step back will take us two steps forward. I hope this makes sense. lol Your readers are going to think I am a kook.
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No they’re not! I know what you mean and so will they. And I agree with you.
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It’s always hard when our beloved trees have to come down or be cut back. I have never seen a gum tree before! Hopefully, the birds will find some refuge back there soon.
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Thanks Alexis and I agree, it is hard, but I’ve already seen a few birds landing there.
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Thats awesome!
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absolutely loved this!
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Thanks so much.
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It’s like saying goodbye on an old friend, but how nice to know that the tree will still be a home for the birds. I love your quote at the end Miriam. When life gets difficult we get stronger. ☺
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We do indeed. Thanks Carol. xo
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Still beautiful but in a different way- that’s probably what we should all aspire to as we get older!
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Well said!
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Aren’t arborists fascinating to watch they climb so high with chainsaws screaming in neutral and hanging from their waists.
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Oh yeah, most definitely fascinating. And the fact that he was also carrying on a conversation with me next door as he was dangling there!
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Wonderful images and a very colorful bird.
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Thanks. They often visit.
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Different but not less beautiful or impressive , and still fulfilling an important role your tree 🙂
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So very true Turtle, thanks for that. 🙂
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I heard on RN today that we actually need more storms on our coasts as it brings sand onto our beaches. The silver lining of the same cloud that produces more shelter holes for birds in your tree.
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That’s interesting, well here’s hoping for more storms then, just not the overly destructive ones.
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The first two shots are gorgeous, Miriam. I hate it when they trim or cut trees. I remember feeling dejected whenever I’ve seen trees getting cut. I guess it is an absolute necessity at times. I can imagine the sadness you must feel. Who knows, by next summer the tree will bounce back with green leaves and chirping birds. 🙂
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Well, I’m not sure about the leaves but the birds are already back in the tree. I went outside this morning and a family of galahs were perched right up the top. 🙂
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Awesome pictures.
Any chance the tree will come back healthy after being trimmed?
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I doubt it, think it’s largely a shelter now.
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So glad it’s still standing. 🙂 Most would chop the whole thing down. 🙂
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Yeah I know, I like that it’s still there providing a haven for all the birds. 🙂
Hope you’re enjoying the time with your parents. xo
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Yes ma’am. Starr the trip home today. It’s been great being here.
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By the time you read this you’ll probably be half way home. Safe travels Jess. xo
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Hi Miri. We made it back! 🙂
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Yay. Welcome home Jess! 🙂
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Hugs sweet girl💜❤️😊
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And straight back atcha. xo 🙂
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What a beautiful message tucked into these photos. Yes indeed sometimes we do have to scale back to be healthy especially weightwise 😉
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True.
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It does look very different, but not really worse. And I’m glad that the birds can still use it for their homes, while at the same time it’s not a safety issue for anyone either. But what I really liked is the way you used the tree as an analogy for life: everything does have a purpose, even when it’s form is changed dramatically. Great post, Miriam!
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Thanks Ann, love your comments!
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Shared… 🙂
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Beautiful post! I’m pleased the tree was not completely removed and they left it with its hollows, so important for our gorgeous native feathered friends.
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Hi Tammy, yeah I agree. Thanks for stopping by and the follow. I checked out your blog and it looks great, feel like we both share similar passions. Cheers!
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Love those pictures where the sky is ablaze with color. And such a lovely message tucked in too 🙂 Thank you for this lovely reminder 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed, thanks Diya.
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Beautiful Miriam in so many ways. thank you.
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You’re most welcome Rhonda. xo
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I read this at the perfect time. Thank you, Miriam. I visited Australia & remember gum trees and cockadoos! (spelling?) Anyway, your message touched me and sending lots of blessings to you, to the birds and your gum tree. ❤
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I’m smiling here Debbie, sending you lots of love and hugs back from the land of gum trees, cockatoos and kangaroos. xo 🙂
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Oh I love this! Thank you Miriam ❤ And hugs back to you from NY!
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Isn’t it amazing how hugs and smiles can span the ocean. Love it! xo 🙂
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