Clouds through trees

Clouds through trees
Originally uploaded by jeffwc00

To start this post, I need to explain some logistics. The door to my condominium is reached by an open staircase. (The door for the condo of one my neighbors shares the staircase access.)

I've been noting for some time when I step outside and look straight ahead before descending the stairs, I see an interesting combination of two trees: a sweetgum, and directly on the other side of a neighboring building in the condo complex, a bottlebrush.

Seeing this, it has been occurring to me this could make an interesting photo, but I wasn't noticing good combinations of circumstances for that purpose until yesterday (July 12, 2010) when I saw some interesting cloud formations in the sky beyond the two trees.

So, I jumped back inside and grabbed the camera, and took several exposures. I thought this was the best of those.

Identification made

Following up on my last post, I believe I have discovered the name of these trees: African Tulip trees.

For reference:

• http://www.rarefloweringtrees.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=40&g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=1319
• http://www.thefloweringgarden.com/african-tulip-tree.htm
  

Can anyone identify these trees?

Please follow this link to see a set of photos of trees in San Diego, especially the flowers growing on them. I have been unable to identify what tree this is.

Any help in identifying these trees will be appreciated!