Pecan Tree Shedding

It's the time of the year when my 100-foot plus pecan tree in the backyard starts it's annual spring shedding.

I don't really know what these things are but every year at about this time these little 'gifts' start falling and make major clutter of my patio and the rest of my yard. The picture to the left is only the beginning - if I let them be, after a couple of weeks I would have to wade between them to walk on the patio.

I'm sure that there is some form of reproduction going on. Ah spring - what a joy!

Click on the picture to see a larger view.