A beaver tows a branch through the autumn stream with its blunt muzzle held just above the surface. Wet brown fur catches the side light around its small ear and dark eye. The thin willow stem extends across the water, with yellow leaves trailing beside the animal.

A widening wake breaks the copper reflections behind its partly visible back. Pale bitten twigs and fallen red leaves lie along the muddy bank, while tangled roots and softer woodland fill the farther edge. The low side view keeps the branch, animal and surrounding stream together, showing a purposeful crossing within the layered color of the autumn water.