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Hi Everyone,
I can see from all those fabulous photos of waxwings that there are still loads of berried trees/shrubs around.
My rowan, cotoneaster and yew berries were demolished a few weeks ago by migrant members of the thrush family.
Any plant suggestions for increasing the time period for available berries would be appreciated.
Regards,
CM
"The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom" - Wlliam Blake
Rosehips are sweet at the moment !!! Just in case here is a link to the RSPB stuff on Berries in case anyone has missed it RSPB Berries
WLR
Target for 2010 / 2011 250 kg Wild BIrd Food Deployed in West Yorkshire Nov - Mar Helping our small birds over winter
Natural History Books
Visit http://www.ukwildlife.dial.pipex.com for Natural History Species and accounts
The crab apple variety Golden Hornet ia very prolific. I planted a sapling 18 months ago and the young tree was absolutely covered in yellow fruits in early autumn. It was stripped in a flash! Perhaps one year I'll get some crab apple jelly!
Bagpuss
Very good to know that the shriveled rose hips can still be 'food' and and so presumably can other shriveled berries.
I have never noticed (in mild winters) just how long berries last. I recall is that domestic apples and rose hips have usually rotted by January, but Holly can last until spring. Can vaguely recall one Christmas searching for a sprig if berries for a decoration and finding that Hawthorn and Pyracantha were not usable. Would be interested to know if the seeds of these rotten berries/hips etc are eaten by finches or anything!? and what do the Redwings and Fieldfares eat when the berrries have gone and the ground is frozen?
A picture of my frozen Guelder rose berries that have not yet tempted any birds!
Thanks for all the suggestions, the link, and photos. I would have replied sooner but have had broadband connection difficulties.
I think the finches were eating the seeds from the hips.
I had forgotten about crab apples and one or two trees will be on my list of new plants for the garden.