Excellent cut test and mast year in this park for yellow birch. This park is an exemplar and accessible site for old growth and natural forest regeneration of hemlock, red spruce, beech and yellow birch. Very high fill % and catkins per branch; many trees are sagging with fruit in the light-exposed patches and pathways.
Previously documented with a lower-power camera:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195883869
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195200767
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195096680
Today's photos are from three different angles, with a higher-power camera I intend to also use once the leaves and acorns are back later in 2024. Spreading growth form and scaly branchlet bark IMO indicate Swamp White vs. e.g. Bur Oak.
very far (300+m from any public road)
photographed with a higher power camera than used for previous observations:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195883869
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195200767
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/195096680
Lots of cones last year. None to be seen from this year
Catkinning birch
Pog Lake Campground, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada