The rowan trees in Stonefield Public Park, Blantyre are putting on quite a display just now, with branches absolutely laden with bright orange-red berries.
This lovely photo was taken by Eleanor Kelly, who spotted just how plentiful the berries are this year — and it prompted an old question many people will have heard before.
Does a bumper crop of rowan berries mean we’re in for a particularly cold or harsh winter? ❄️
It’s a long-standing piece of Scottish folklore that trees producing an abundance of berries are somehow preparing wildlife for a difficult winter ahead. There’s no scientific evidence that rowans can predict the weather months in advance, though. A heavy crop is much more likely to be the result of favourable growing, flowering and pollination conditions earlier in the year.
Whatever the reason, it’s certainly good news for birds. Rowan berries provide an important autumn and winter food source, particularly for thrushes and visiting redwings and fieldfares.
Thanks to Eleanor for sharing the beautiful photo. 📸
What do you think ? Old wives’ tale, or does nature sometimes know what’s coming? 🌳❄️
#Blantyre #StonefieldPark #RowanTrees #Autumn #Nature #LocalPhotography
