Berried treasure for the birds
A blackbird eating berries
Berries are more than just seed containers – they are potential life-savers when winter approaches.
So that’s why gardeners should be more than happy that many colourful shrubs and trees are going to become nothing more than food for the birds.
Cotoneasters? Blackbirds are drawn to their tiny berries.
Rowans? Waxwings, redwings, fieldfares and even flocks of starlings go crazy for their fruits.
Yew, while poisonous to many animals, doesn’t seem to worry birds, and even ivy (when it’s mature and sets fruit) and holly are known to provide a nutritional meal.
Viburnum opulus “Sterile”, seen occasionally in gardens and more often as part of a mixed hedge, produces waxy-red, acidic-tasting fruit which is also acceptable to birds when there’s little left on the dining table.
But there should always be something on the dining table.
Common hawthorn has lots of bountiful berries; blackbirds just can’t seem to get enough of cotoneasters; the fruit of the mountain ash tempt anything from starlings to crows, although the latter tend to be a bit ungainly in their attempts to reach the fruit.
Plants don’t produce berries for fun – they produce them to propagate their species, and they rely heavily on birds to help. Birds eat the berries which contain seeds; the seeds pass through the birds and are dispensed around the countryside. So, the plants, the birds and the countryside all benefit. And, of course, so do we.
Which is why gardeners should grow at least a couple of fruiting shrubs or trees to provide a valuable food source for wildlife, shelter for birds and insects – and interest in the garden at what is normally the darkest and dullest time of the year.
And if there’s room, how about that mixed hedge? It will be an inviting and calorific place for birds, small mammals and insects.
Consider blackthorn, that viburnum, honeysuckle, spindle, wild rose with its attendant hips, a small mountain ash and hawthorn and elder with one or two hollies thrown in.
If it’s a really impenetrable barrier that’s needed, add firethorn – the thorns are vicious while the berries are brilliantly coloured and a welcome addition to the birds’ winter menu.
Birds are vital to the garden, so thank them for all their hard work by giving them a bite to eat.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North west
