Maple Tree Seeds

Of course I've seen these seeds falling from the maple trees tons of times, & have seen them laying all over on the ground, but I've never noticed them still attatched to the tree until today! I was looking at the leaves that were starting to turn colors when I saw these big clumps! I read online that in the spring these seeds can be harvested & eaten, which I'd never heard before! The picture isn't as clear as I would have liked, as it was very windy & the branch was swaying! :)