horn galls

Caused by the larvae of various insects (wasps, beetles, etc), these galls look like tiny thorns on the leaves of a witch hazel tree.  The tiny grubs develop inside the gall, which is a structure the plant itself produces in response to chemicals released by the larvae.  The galls provide food and shelter for the developing grubs.

comeback kid

A rather long absence mediated by my laptop breaking, me losing all of my photographs, and the start of med school.  Here are some photos I've taken since then.

 

Watching teammates compete at a medschool class field day competition.

sun(set)flower

Just got home from a few visits and had to snap this one of a sunflower during the golden hour.