Early Oak Leaves

I almost missed this opportunity in a rainy, dark walk in a forest

along the Patuxent River. It was early spring when the oaks were just

leafing out; this one has an exquisite palette of subtly graded color

before turning fully green. These leaves are quite small, not more

than two inches long. This close view also shows the finely textured

surface of the leaves holding a few drops of water. Later on the

leaves will be quite smooth and glossy.