Hornbeam Searches for New Fall Leaves

This old tree looks very like Ironwood, an American  Hornbeam tree.  The leaves are alternately arranged, unlobed, toothed, and the sinewy bark looks strong and muscled.  What other tree would dare create an armchair limb at ground level?  Only a very strong tree would be brave enough for that.

The best hint, though, is the demeanor. Ironwood appears to be looking soulfully around in a Chinese Shar Pei wrinkle-puppy way.  I thought the tree might be lonely for an arm-sitter until I understood; Ironwood is simply looking around for its new fall outfit.