Fruiting plants in the yard are not top of mind during these early, cold December days in New England. But while their crops are not as mouthwatering as those coveted by my granddaughters from May-September, there is a group of plants serving up treats that are just as essential and yummy to the many winged residents of my neighborhood.
The most seasonal of these plants is holly, with its bright red berries and pointy, deep green leaves. Favored by cedar waxwings, it is one of the few plants that look the same regardless of season.
Another vibrant red berry that pops into view is the winterberry, which looks like tasty, drop-like candies ready to be consumed by a hungry bird. Last year, in fact, all of my winterberries were eaten by a blush of robins in the space of a few minutes.
Another bright standout is the beautyberry (both American and Japanese species) with an electric purple color. Many birds favor this berry including cardinals, catbirds, and tufted titmice.
While not as visually attractive in Winter as in Autumn, rose hips are an important food source in mid-to-late Winter for birds. Its long-term persistence on branches and high concentrations of vitamin C make them a good long-term source of food for finches and blackbirds.
Having a high fat content, bayberries are a good last-sustenance resort for chickadees, woodpeckers, and bluebirds. If you feel the need to make candles from them, please leave some for the birds.
Tiny crabapples are another end-of-Winter food. In fact, by Spring there are still many crabapples on my tree though last year I did spot a pine grosbeak feeding on them.
