The morning was pretty foggy and when I reached the end of Amherst Road where it meets Route 202 I had a decision to make…north or south. I chose south and ended up in Quabbin Park. I think the fog was better up north but I was there the day before so decided to go to the park.
I shot these goldenrods last year and thought to try again this time around. Last year’s had more fog and the tower was less visible but this is more representative of what one sees there most often.
As I looked at this scene I realized the sun was above the trees but not from my vantage point so turned and saw the light streaming through the branches and what remained of the fog.
The two starbursts were a bonus. For a few more nice sunbeam shots and a primer on the phenomenon take a look at Linda Leinen’s recent post-A Certain Slant of Light.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
There’s often a tug-of-war between the artistic and the true-to-life. This year’s version of the goldenrod may be more representative but last year’s grabbed our eyes (or at least mine).
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I like each for different reasons. But if I had to choose one I would agree with your choice.
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‘Ray for you–wonderful moods both!
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Thanks, Gary. That cheered me up.
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Sun rays filtering through trees really gets my attention. I absolutely love the star bursts effect of the sun shining through trees. I have seen this in real time but I was never able to capture the images.
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It was a challenge getting positioned for the starbursts and still having the rays expose well too. Glad that you saw something in this that you have enjoyed seeing for yourself in real time, Yvonne. Thanks!
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That’s awfully kind, to make mention of my “rays” ~ thanks! I just spent some time comparing goldenrod species again. An Illinios gardener just posted one I thought might have been the same as yours, but it turned out to be zigzag goldenrod. It has the same erect habit, which I like.
I laughed out loud after I looked at the top image and then did a double-take. I first saw the tower as a silo, and the goldenrod as corn tassles. You can take the girl out of Iowa, but I guess it’s impossible to get all the Iowa out of the girl.
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There are so many goldenrods that I sometimes have a hard time identifying them. But these showy goldenrods were pretty easy. I saw a chart somewhere that had keys and images to aid in that but cannot find it again. Probably something I saw while scrolling through Facebook.
I hadn’t seen it as a silo, but of course I do know with your suggestion.
I enjoyed your post with your different example of rays and the dialogue that accompanied. I hope anyone of my visitors who aren’t familiar with your blog took a trip there to see for themselves.
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Your Sunbeam image is fantastic!
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Thanks, Lane.
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