Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is one of my favorite native small trees. It is interesting to look at in all seasons. Lovely blooms in the Spring, vibrant Fall foliage and early Summer fruit that is loved by birds. But this year is unusual: the birds have not come to eat the fruit.
Typically, I carefully watch this tree hoping to be around when its tiny fruits mature. Starting as a greenish spiked orb, it loses its spikes and becomes a smooth purple, almost black, berry. When ripe, its taste is a mashup of blueberry, strawberry, peaches with a hint of almond. But it is rare to sample this ambrosia because the birds always beat me to the fruit. Not this year.
Entering Ann’s Place, the parking lot is littered with squashed berries and looking up, I see plenty on the trees. I sample a few enjoying their rarely tasted flavor. I gather more for Juana to try, who puts them into a compote we have for dessert. It is delicious.
But I wonder. . .what has happened to the birds?
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You wonder what happened to the missing birds? What do you think has happened; why are the birds gone?
Difficult to say.A birding friend of mine says that woodpeckers are hitting suet feeders more aggressively because of the lack of insects in upstate NY. But as to why birds are not feeding upon the serviceberry, I have no clue. The bird population around my home seems constant, but I also have many plants that provide nourishment.