Bluebird feeding - planting (Part 1)
In addition to Messages that have appeared in the Bluebird Mailing Lists
on this topic, the following are on the Audubon Society of Omaha website:
Subj: food planting
Date: 6/10/99 11:03:59 AM Central Daylight Time
From: rainbows"at"pacific.net (Sam Hopkins)
Hi Byrna,
I left your Message on so that everyone would understand your situation. In a
sub division you have more of a challenge. Not only do you have to plant for
wildlife but you have to try and get neighbors and associations to plant that
way also. There are many things that you can plant but they vary greatly from
area to area. I would suggest that you go to your friendly neighborhood extension
office and there you will find (should find) a free pamphlet about planting for
wildlife in your area. It may be called landscaping for wildlife. There are also
books on the subject in and out of print and you should be able to find them
at the local library. I hesitate to mention plant names because of climate and
some state regulations. A for instance, we were not allowed to ship Gooseberries
to Maine because they carried a rust for white pine and the list in Ca. is far
to long to discuss but you get the point.
There are perennials as well as shrubs
that can be quite nice and there are some wildflowers that are not protected
that may be transplanted. Many times when you are in a subdivision you can
look around the outskirts and see what is growing and what the developer has
pushed aside or piled up and this can give you a hint as to what was in the
area. Landscaping for me was a big challenge when I moved here because almost
my entire area (motel parking lot ) is paved so I have allot of planters of
different sizes and shapes.It amazes me how many birds I can get in this artificial
manner.
Good Luck with your bird garden.......Sam Hopkins Lakeport , Ca.
Bryna Dunn wrote:
Sam, thank you for your quick and thoughtful response to my Message -- I know
I
am guilty of feeding birds when it is not completely necessary. I do it for
two reasons -- one, because I live in a new subdivision and we don't really
have
much of anything in the way of natural habitat/plantings (the developer clearcut
everything! yikes!), and two, because I enjoy sitting on my deck and watching
them all eat and frolick. I have started what I call my bird garden, which
is a
large patch dedicated completely to plants that are known to feed birds and
butterflies; but it is not grown in yet. I have also very much decreased the
amount
of food I put out, compared to in the winter-time.
For the most part, I get goldfinches and purple finches, cardinals, mourning
doves, and one red-winged blackbird. I also get bluebirds scratching through
the
mulch around the trees I have planted (and I must confess that I put out about
10 mealworms 2x a day because I enjoy watching them feed their young). These
2
brownheaded cowbirds come from time to time but not too often...I never really
thought of it as a problem until I saw one peering into the TRES box.
Anyway, I just didn't want you to think I was feeding flocks of "undesirables"
and then putting my cavity nesters in harm's way.
And, if I haven't already bored you to death, if you do have suggestions on
planting for birds, I'd love to hear them -- I'm always trying to learn more
about
that! Perhaps such advice would be well received posted to the entire list
as
an alternative to birdfeeders in the summer?
Well, thanks again for your response.
Best regards,
Bryna
Charlottesville, VA
Subj: Re:cedar berries/drought
Date: 8/20/99 7:09:41 PM Central Daylight Time
From: kridler"at"1Starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
Yes eastern bluebirds eat red cedar berries also in NE. Texas. With our six week
drought, worst one ever in 12 months, :-).... many trees and bushes are dropping
their berries before they mature. It is imperative in areas where the drought is
continuing to water your trees and bushes which bear any kind of fruit. Our wild
cedar trees are covering the ground blue with berries which should still be on
them in January here! There will be a shortage of berries in my area if we do
not get rain in the next two weeks since plants will abort fruits in an effort
to conserve moisture for living. Yes by all means plant trees and bushes for
food and cover for birds. In addition to ones mentioned by Gary from KY. Try the
following hollies; American, yaupon, Buford, possum haw (ilex decidui latest
fruiting variety with fruit into February since the starches don't convert to
sugar until very late winter and birds avoid them altogether unless a very
severe
winter.) Hollies are male and female so you need a pollinator. Other bluebird
favorites in early winter/late fall here are Bradford pears, crab apples,
Chinese tallow, multifora rose, common privet (hedge), wax leaf ligustrum, red
cedar, mistle toe, poison ivy, English ivy, cat claw (vine). They love to feed
on pecans, hickory, and walnuts when crushed by car tires in driveways and
streets. Early fall sees them feeding on huckle berries, elder berries,
Muscadine grapes, black berries. They will eat the same berries that
mockingbirds, robins, cedar wax wings, & starlings will eat so watch what these
birds eat and report to the list. this is really Fread's area and I thought I
would jump in a add a few before he does :-)...
When bluebirds eat large seeded fruits (dogwood, Chinese tallow ETC.) they grind
the flesh off in their gizzard/crop and then will regurgitate the seeds leaving
the clean seeds found in a nestbox mentioned earlier. Smaller seeds (blackberry
& grape sized) pass on into the intestines and will be found tightly packed
in their droppings. Most seeds remain viable and could be planted and identified
as they grow or plant them for the plants bluebirds love in your area. We need
others observations from other parts of the country. KK
Subj: Feeding Questions
Date: 11/3/99 6:22:12 PM Central Standard Time
From: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net (Stephanie Uhrinek)
Sorry, I didn't mean to cause such a stir to all you bluebirder's out there. I
guess I didn't mean to ask the question that way. I feed birds throughout the
year because I love to see them. I just didn't know if I could get some
migraters to stop for a few minutes if I put something attractive out for them
so I can observe them. I have planted several american cranberries, honeysuckle,
and autumn olives over the past few years but they are still small. I have a
wild raspberry and grapevine patch that is really well established. I really
don't think I want to go into the mealworm business. I have enough critters
around here and don't need more. Any ideas on fruits or something in the spring?
Any other shrubs that will grow in western NY zone 5 well? How about
elderberries? Thanks and sorry to start all this comotion on this list.
Stephanie in Alabama, NY
Subj: more on feeding bluebirds
Date: 11/3/99 8:47:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
For those interested in feeding bluebirds go to Jack Finches home page. It
mentions different trees and bushes briefly that you could plant. How to harvest
dogwood berries and how to store them. Jack has the only "orchard" of dogwoods
in the world which have been selected for late fall fruiting! I grew some of his
seeds to now fruit bearing size trees and they are better than any selections I
have found in East Texas. Also his front page shows a box very similar to the
"Dick Tuttle" style nestbox I often mention. This is the style that Jack has
made over 70,000 of.. Note the aluminum hole guard and the metal covered roof.
I have his original feeding instructions from the late 80's and one of his
nestboxes converted to feeder box. He recommends that you place two more baskets
on a horizontal bar (a 1x1 board works fine) about 4 feet long attached to the
main feeder box so that you have three platforms separated by 24" so that more
birds can feed at the same time. This is the best "bluebird feeder" information
I know of and you could substitute other recipes we have seen posted. KK
http://www.danfinch.com/birds.htm
Subj: Suet, berries, bears and roost boxes
Date: 11/13/99 10:58:26 PM Central Standard Time
From: MEDILLIPLN"at"aol.com
Hello everyone, MaryEllen Dilliplane- Shamokin Pa
I've been reading the latest posts about roost boxes with much interest, as I
only have 2 winterized nest boxes in my yard. Have to get busy and build me some
roost boxes. Thanks to all for the great info!
I'm also in the process of having my husband build me a feeder to put on top of
my kids wooden swing set as the bears have raided and broken every feeder I put
out so far this year. I know they will go into hibernation soon, not soon enough
for me at this point, but if anyone has any suggestions on how to keep these
large creatures with large appitites away from feeders, I would appreciate your
thoughts!
I have also been scouring the woods behind my home for berries to put in the
feeder. Unfortunately, I'm having a heard time finding them, I have a list of
BB prefered but haven't had any luck. Does anyone know of a good book with
colored pictures of trees, vines, and bushes with prefered berries. Also, I read
where some are putting plastic red berries around the feeder to attract the BB
and using the PB, suet, cornmeal mixture as feed. I realize that providing food
for the winter isn't necessary and I'n doing this for my own enjoyment of seeing
BB in my yard and being able to watch them, as they seem to like hiding in the
Christmas tree farm behind my house.
I have the recipe for Linda Janilla's Bluebird Banquet food. I've checked at my
local feed mill and the only cornmeal they sell is "roasted", and they only have
suet cakes with berries and nuts added, would this okay to use in the mix, as it
calls for "pure bird suet cake" and "yellow cornmeal"?
MaryEllen
Subj: Re: Suet, berries, bears and roost boxes
Date: 11/14/99 9:54:03 AM Central Standard Time
From: grobyak"at"yahoo.com (Rob Yaksich)
Rob Yaksich
ABQ, NM
40* and the Rio Grande Valley is echoing with the sounds of thousands of
Sandhill Cranes.
Hi Mary Ellen and BB-L. The reason you're not finding any berries around is
probably due to your large, furry pests. When I lived in Alaska (near Denali
National Park), the resident grizzlies took care of every berry that the local
Inuit population hadn't. By the time the first snow flew in mid Sept, there
wasn't a berry to be seen. There were, however, lots of fat grizzlies (fat
grizzly cubs are too cute to describe) and happy Inuit. You may want to avoid
putting fake berries out to entice the bluebirds as they may entice a bear that
is late in bedding down or has awaken briefly during hibernation (as they often
do).
I've had dealings with black bears here in NM, though they never got INTO our
yard (thanks to our large dogs - I think). My solution was to mount my houses on
the sides of corrals or barns or on metal poles at least 8 feet above ground. I
would drive my pickup right up next to the pole and stand in the bed to check
the boxes. What you may want to do is rig up some sort of pully system where you
hang your feeder from a branch above the reach of the bears (could be over 8'
depending on the size of your bruins). You may have to make your pully ropes
inconspicuous as well as bears, at least here in the West, have started figuring
out that ropes in the forest mean a food bag hung up in the trees. I would say
that bears are just as clever and determined as squirrels, so you may need to
get creative to reduce your headaches.
I never bothered to feed the birds en masse where I lived in AK, mostly because
the last thing you want to see standing outside your living room window is a
500lb grizzly sampling the fare from your feeder. I did, however, rig a caribou
antler to a tree and dabbed peanut butter on the tips of the points. The gray
jays and boreal chickadees LOVED it, and took care of everything (but the odor)
before the resident griz's stopped by (not often, but often enough).
Hope this helps.
Subj: Berries, bears and roost boxes
Date: 11/14/99 11:38:08 AM Central Standard Time
From: lviolett"at"earthlink.net (Linda Violett)
Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif.
There is a bush that is supposed to be excellent for producing red edible
berries in cold-winter areas that get snow. It's called the high bush cranberry.
An article in Birds & Blooms stated "In fall, the leaves score with
a grand slam of rich vibrant colors. An in winter, the berries contribute a
solid pinch hit, adding a cheery splash of color to an otherwise somber landscape.
As if all that weren't enough, this shrub is hardy in many areas of North America,
grows vigorously, requires little maintenance and attracts wildlife, too .
. . Native to Canada and America, the highbush cranberry is a dense, rounded
deciduous shrub that can grow 15 feet high and spread about 12 feet wide .
. . fare well in cooler northern climates. They thrive in moist, well-drained
soil and in full sun or partial shade. They're best suited for shrub borders
or woodland gardens." Common names: American highbush cranberry and American
cranberry bush viburnum. Botanical Name: Viburnum trilobum.
I ordered three for my cabin last season. The nursery wasn't satisfied with the
quality and returned them to the grower so I still don't have first-hand
experience. But it sounds perfect for moist, cold-winter habitats. There's a
good book showing pictures of berry-producing plants (can't find it right now)
but I think the title is something like "Birds in Winter"; I'll write
again when I locate it.
Subj: blueBird
food
Date: 12/6/99 5:44:13 PM Central Standard Time
From: neal.montgomery"at"cc.gte.com (Neal Montgomery)
Has anyone had experiece with native Persimmon as a Bluebird winter food. I was
thinking of planting some on my property for winter food. Any other suggestions
for native plants to improve the habitat. I live near Dallas, Texas
Thanks,
Neal
Subj: Native plants (East Texas)
Date: 12/6/99 9:15:31 PM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I just got the publication "BLUEBIRD MONITOR" the Ohio Bluebird society's
newsletter and again Dean Sheldon has an excellent article on bluebird feeding
and of the 16 plants he lists, 14 do very well in my area. Only cherry and
bittersweet can't survive in Texas. For all the "newbies" would all states again
list their publications and how to join the different bluebird groups??? This is
the BEST way to learn about bluebirds in your area!!! Give yourself a Christmas
gift of one of these bluebird societies, even if it is a neighboring state! You
won't be disappointed! As Randy Jones stated "I think I've found a wonderful way
to care for my soul." (Man I wish I had said that~:-) This "hobby" is not just
for the birds! It shows that each and everyone of us CAN make a difference if we
just "do it."
Persimmon while a good food for larger animals probably won't help bluebirds
much. They also only fruit on "Female" trees and tend to send up root suckers so
should be planted in fields and not yards. The Japanese persimmon's are grafted,
quite hardy and make good yard "small tree's".
For good "Bluebird food", good fall color, good medium sized yard trees; try
Bradford pears, Chinese Tallow and dogwood. Dogwoods also come in red or
pink blooms but like sandy soils, partial shade and will need some water in
summer.
Evergreens: Trees; Eastern red cedar, American holly. Shrubs; Yaupon holly,
deciduous holly (ilex deciduii) wax leaf ligustrum, many other hollies can be
found at nurseries, again these are male and female plants!
Privet, sumac, multi flora roses, hackberry trees and huckleberries the vines
Virginia creeper and poison ivy provide good winter "wild" food. Mistletoe
berries are excellent late winter bluebird food.
Gosh the list is endless since these are only the "best" hardy midlate
winter
"berry" producers preferred by bluebirds. KK
Subj: Re: blueBird food
Date: 12/6/99 9:18:51 PM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Dear Neal,
I have not personally witnessed Eastern Bluebirds eating Persimmons but within
the last couple of weeks I observed a group of about 30 Cedar Waxwings enjoying
Persimmons so much that they paid little attention to me.
I'm glad you asked the question because that may be the reason I've been hearing
Bluebirds in another part of the property that also has Persimmons.
Hopefully there will still be a few left so I can get a chance to give you a
definite answer if no one else does.
If someone does know more about Persimmons, I'd like to know what type of
fertilizer I could use to increase their yield.
Thank you,
Gary Springer
Northeast Georgia
Subj: Re Persimmons
Date: 12/6/99 10:15:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: p.vanduser"at"worldnet.att.net (p.vanduser)
We have both bluebirds and a persimmon tree in our yard here in North Carolina.
The bluebirds show no interest in the persimmon fruit and it creates a real mess
to deal with during the fall. I am seriously considering seeking advice from the
local agricultural folks as to how to prevent it from bearing fruit! It does
provide wonderful shade during the summer and deer hunters prize the fruit as a
bait. However, I am sick and tired of cleaning the sticky stuff from the soles
of my tennis shoes and the treads of the lawn tractor tires!! And, we do not
enjoy eating persimmons in any fashion.
Needless to say, we do not fertilize it or encourage it in any other way...
Regards, Pete
Subj: Re: Re Persimmons
Date: 12/7/99 6:47:29 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Dear Pete,
The Persimmons here remain very hard until late in the fall or early winter. In
late November they become extremely soft. It is only then that that the
Bluebirds would be able to eat them. It is also in this condition when I
observed the Cedar Waxwings eating them. Many were so ripe that as the birds
pecked them they fell to the ground.
Incidentally, there were ripe Dogwood berries directly underneath the Persimmons
as the birds were eating them. Only occasionally did a bird eat a few dogwood
berries which leads me to believe that at least the Cedar Waxwing prefers
Persimmons over Dogwood Berries.
Are you observing Bluebirds concurrent with the soft ripe phase of the
Persimmons in late fall and early winter or have your Bluebirds already left by
then?
Are the Bluebirds still hanging around your yard or you anxiously awaiting their
return in the spring?
Thank you for helping me learn more about this fruit.
Gary Springer
Northeast Georgia
Subj: Re: Re Persimmons
Date: 12/7/99 7:58:36 AM Central Standard Time
From: cjhall"at"huntel.net (Carolyn Hall)
S
Gary, Pete and Listers,
My cousin who lived in Visalia, CA and was an avid birder always had persimmons
in his freezer. His feeder was a tree branch (3-4" in diameter) nailed
to the top of two posts in front of their picture window. He would lay a half
of a split persimmon in each end of the trough he had made in the branch. Then
he would put bird seed in the rest of the trough. The persimmon was really
mushy and many kinds of birds slurped it up. It has been long enough ago that
I can not tell you what all ate the fruit and my cousin is deceased. So, can
someone in CA tell us what birds eat persimmons out there?
Carolyn Hall, The Sandhills Bluebird Lady, Bassett, Ne 20* when we were
walking at 6 AM. May moisture headed our way tomorrow and Thursday.
Subj: Persimmons, Other Natural Foods
Date: 12/8/99 9:09:27 AM Central Standard Time
From: cvhall"at"usit.net (Claude V. Hall)
I never realized until today how many Tennesseans participate in this site! I am
glad that you like our Tennessee Bluebird vehicle license plate, Tena. Thanks.
Tennessee does have a program for special topical vehicle plates that benefit
many "worthy causes." Read on this morning, and one of them is discussed by W A
Gould (Radnor Lake State Natural Area).
May I say a word regarding persimmons and other natural food and birds? I have
several persimmon trees in fence rows. Persimmons are delicious but ONLY after
it has frosted a couple of times! Until then they are "green" and
are very astringent to both man and beast. I have a large flock (20 to 30?)
of cedar waxwings that have been here for about a month now. (They are swarmed
right now over and on the bird waterers.) The waxwings, robins and bluebirds
have cleaned all of the persimmons from the trees. (Skunks, raccoons, and opossums
also love them.) Never try to help the wild birds with finding natural foods!They
know, better than us, what they want and how to find it!
Mockingbirds raise young in a fine Norwegian fir tree that is about half-way
between two of our bluebird boxes. The mockers DO chase the bluebirds, because
they compete for many of the same foods. However, the bluebirds survive and live
here year around. Just yesterday I saw 8 - 10 bluebirds communing on a power
line near the house.
All have a nice day. My woodstove fire feels good to my old bones this morning!
Claude
Subj: Honeysuckle
Date: 12/18/99 7:13:48 PM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Hello all,
We often discuss the many kinds of berries Bluebirds eat during the winter
months and planting for wildlife habitat.
I don't know how it eluded me so long but honeysuckle produces black, fairly
good sized berries that last into the winter.
Does anyone know if these are eaten by Bluebirds.
Honeysuckle creates one of the thickest growths in which birds can take cover.
Many people use discarded Christmas trees for cover. If you plant honeysuckle
around one or several discarded Christmas trees, they would be enveloped by the
vines and foilage, thus providing an even thicker and longer lasting cover.
In addition to providing excellent cover, the leaves stay green all winter long
except for in the most northern states. The leaves, stems, and buds are a
preferred browse for deer.
And, rabbits use Honeysickle for nesting and cover.
On top of all that, Hummingbirds love the blossoms.
I'm sure someone will post of the nuisance it can when it decides to grow where
you don't want it but I think all the advantages out weigh the dizzzdvantages.
How wonderful it is to have such an excellent plant that is so hardy.
If you're planting for wildlife I think Honeysuckle is one of the best species
because it is used in so many ways by so many different kinds of wildlife.
Gary Springer
Subj: Re: Honeysuckle
Date: 12/18/99 9:01:07 PM Central Standard Time
From: dmccue"at"usit.net (Dan McCue)
I have seen cardinals feeding on the honeysuckle berries. We have two different
types of honeysuckle and as yet haven't seen bluebirds feeding on them. How
about other posters? Merry Christmas to all. Dan McCue from Camden, TN
Subj: Re: Honeysuckle
Date: 12/18/99 9:57:42 PM Central Standard Time
From: m-r-sumner"at"juno.com (Maynard R Sumner)
Hi all,
I keep my honeysuckle cut down to five feet tall and five feet wide. The
bluebirds do eat the berries and the cedar waxwing like them.
Maynard R Sumner
Flint, Michigan
Subj: Feeding Bluebirds
Date: 12/30/99 1:06:03 PM Central Standard Time
From: pomeroy"at"pinehurst.net (Ken & Marilyn Pomeroy)
Someone on this list recommended harvesting dogwood berries. That I did, just
a sandwich bag full. Well, I am about down to nothing now. We constructed a
wooden tray feeder. I throw a few dogwood berries out each morning. They are
usually gone by noon. We have it on our deck with our birdbath, a suet feeder,
and a thistle feeder. After the deciduous trees shed their leaves, the BBs came.
So we have all kinds of birds, most get along pretty well with each other. The
BBs were in all their glory today, flitting from one birdhouse to another. Surely
it is almost spring!! Marilyn Pomeroy, Whispering Pines, NC Sunny, 50's
Subj: Re: Feeding Bluebirds
Date: 12/30/99 1:39:09 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Hi Marilyn, In N.C. You should be able to find some American Holly berries in
town. They grow well in your part of the country and stay good on the tree thru
winter. You may know someone who has some in their yard. The Multiflora rose
(which most farmers dislike) can be found growing in the wild. If you find any
cut stems 6 to 10 " long. They keep well on the bush. Very hard to handle the
briers as they snag you from every direction. Use pruners to cut free as
untangling is very difficult and takes time. If the Bluebirds come at a certain
time you can put out some beef suet crumbs for them. They swallow it whole so
chop it up to pea size. Bluebirds are not good at pecking off pieces from a
chunk. Feeding berries needs to be limited each day as you know because you run
out. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
Subj: Winter berries - which last best?
Date: 1/25/00 4:08:20 PM Central Standard Time
From: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com
S
Joe Huber named some of the best plants for bluebirds in winter this morning.
Holly cedar, hawthorn, Multiflora rose hips and mistletoe. I have many cedars
in my yard and the bluebirds round here have been coming most afternoons during
this very cold weather to feed on them. But only two of the trees still have a
lot of berries left. I would like to ask Joe and anyone else with experience of
winter EABL which of the other plants have berries that last really well into
the winter.
There is still a lot of winter to go here and I would like to provide more for
next year. I may not be able to get bluebirds to nest here since it is such a
wooded area but at least I may be able to add to their winter diet since my yard
already attracts them at this time.
Jane Pound Ridge NY
Subj: Clusters.
Date: 1/25/00 6:16:47 PM Central Standard Time
From: blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett)
Jane, et al,
Around here, the staple winter berries are the red clusters on Sumacs. I think
they're actually more of a seed than a berry, but the Bluebirds seem to like
them a lot, whatever they are and there are always plenty of them. Bruce
Burdett, Sunapee NH (only 6 or seven inches so far, and it's stopped.))
Subj: Re: Winter berries - which last best?
Date: 1/25/00 9:51:36 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Hi Jane and all, You ask which berries may last the winter for the bluebirds
you have staying in you area. In central Ohio where I saw them all winter they
ate the Multiflora rose hips. These berries are late ripening and last thru
the winter in an edible state. These are never cleaned out by other birds perhaps
because of their thick thorny growth. Holly berries are very good to feed in
the north if you can find any good trees. Other birds don't seem to clean these
out either.
There must be other things near you that those Bluebirds are eating. Maybe
some wild grapes or other shriveled up fruits that can't take the cold. I stuck
multiflora stems in a table feeder so they stood straight up like in the wild.
Drilled various size holes to thrust them into. If berries are displayed in the
open the Bluebirds may come to them. Then you could offer the some beef suet and
meal worms. Other birds may get the meal worms. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
Subj: Re: Winter berries - which last best?
Date: 1/25/00 11:17:09 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Hi Bonnie, There are some people who purchase Currants at the grocery. That may
be the best bet. Don't think they need the berries you offer as there is other
wild things near by or they wouldn't be there. Jor Huber Venice Fl.
Subj: Re: Winter berries - which last best?
Date: 1/26/00 11:18:03 AM Central Standard Time
From: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com
BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Hi Joe, Keith and others,
The various kinds of Holly and the Multiflora sound just what I want. So many
other birds have already had a good feast on my cedars ( mainly large flocks
of Waxwings in the fall ) that there's not too much left on them by now. I'm
sure the bluebirds are finding other things round here too (think there are
wild grapes in the woods, some sumac ) but would like to plant some things
for variety for them in my yard when they come. What a good idea to check the
nurseries right now! Never thought of it with eight inches of snow on the ground
and planting time months away.
At least it's just snow here, no ice storm yet thank goodness.
Jane, Pound Ridge, NY
Subj: Re: Winter berries - which last best?
Date: 1/26/00 12:34:30 PM Central Standard Time
From: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net (Bill Darnell)
I understand that Hackberry is a bluebird staple, although I have not been able
to see one feeding on one yet. I did see a tree less than a week ago still
loaded with berries. I don't know the hackberry's range.
Bill
Subj: Berries
Date: 1/26/00 2:18:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: hpandtl"at"crocker.com (Haleya Priest/Thom Levy)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hpandtl"at"crocker.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD)
Haleya Priest
If I am not mistaken, the berries that are the LEAST appealing to the birds are
the last to stay on the branches. Staghorn sumac is thought to be loved by the
bluebirds. I read that sumac berries are eaten quite a bit by bluebirds ONLY
because they are some of the only berries that aren't eaten first by other birds
such as the EUST - and I believe the EUST won't eat them - hence much sumac
around. This poses a problem because sumac berries have very little nutrional
value - which might be why they are left as the last to eat. Well, I suppose
they might not taste very good either. They make great "lemonade" in the summer!
H
Subj: FRUITS/BERRIES
Date: 1/26/00 3:13:23 PM Central Standard Time
From: dsheldonjr"at"hotmail.com (dean sheldon)
It has always been my understanding that the fruit/berry most favored by EABL is
that of Poison Ivy and I have seen them feasting on this food on huge vines in
the woods in northern Ohio...and also on fences and in thickets where it has
grown rampant as it has clambered over other shrubs and downed trees. Common
Privet is another favorite as is the fruit of Eastern Red Cedar. Ornamental
crabapples with small fruit would also meet their requirements. Highbush
Cranberry Viburnum [trilobum] certainly LOOKS inviting, but EUST, Robins and
Cedar Waxwings seem most interested in them...but usually only in the spring.
Carroll Henderson in MN has a volume published on backyard landscaping for
wildlife which, I think, covers this subject very well. We need help from Dorene
Scriven on the availability of that publication. I believe that the BBRP
[Bluebird Recovery Program in Mpls distributes his publications] Dean Sheldon,
Huron County, OH/NABS Board
Subj: Re: Berries
Date: 1/26/00 5:43:33 PM Central Standard Time
From: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net (Bill Darnell)
I am just back inside from helping a friend haul hay to his cattle on a farm. We
passed a stand of big Hackberry, and lo and behold, I finally saw Bluebirds
feeding on them. There must have been at least a dozen Bluebirds, along with
some other birds.
Bill
Subj: LANDSCAPING FOR WILDLIFE
Date: 1/26/00 4:09:27 PM Central Standard Time
From: dsheldonjr"at"hotmail.com (dean sheldon)
Carroll Henderson's book is, indeed, available from the Minnesota bluebird group
{BBRP}. It is 144 pages with color and B&W photos. Cost is $19.95 postpaid. BBRP
catalog items are handled through the organization but I do not have the name of
the person handling that assignment currently.
PLEASE...someone from MN supply this for the faithful. Thanks....Dean
Subj: Re: FRUITS/BERRIES
Date: 1/27/00 7:30:13 AM Central Standard Time
From: scriv001"at"tc.umn.edu (L.E.Scriven)
In answer to Dean Sheldon's query, yes, BBRP does have copies of Carrol
Henderson's book on Landscaping for Wildlife (including berry-producing plants
for birds). The book is in color, 144 pages. It is $19.95 which includes
shipping and postage. Order from Mary Kalinoski/BBRP, 1411 Camwood Trail S.,
Baxter, MN 56425. A list of wild berry-producing plants that bluebirds like is
also in our book, Bluebird Trails.
-Dorene Scriven
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2000 13:46:08 EST
From: BJJMCK"at"aol.com
Subject: winter berries
BJ McKirahan Dublin, OH 14 miles NW of Columbus USDA zone 5.
I am new to the list this winter. The combination of my favorite subject
(winter berries) & the fondest memories contest gave me courage to make my first
post.
My husband & I have monitored BB trails for 2 years. I am blessed to have
Darlene Sillick as my mentor & a husband who uncomplainingly digs holes! We have
combined gardening w/ bird watching for 24 years to attract birds that do not
eat seed. Several years ago we had a newly built house & yard to landscape. I
hope our story will encourage birders to plant something natural in their yards
to go along w/ their other feeders. When we landscape our yards we are making
choices about “our piece of the earth”. We can replace the typical suburban yard
of “green grass & red geraniums” which is barren of wildlife to one of beauty
for humans as well as wildlife. PLANT IT AND THEY WILL COME.
Our yard was once a farm field that backed up to a wooded area. Yes Wendell,
with an old fence row complete with barbed wire, WOODEN POSTS & poison ivy vines
as thick as your thumb! To the dismay of most of our neighbors, we were the only
lot of 15 to fight for & save our fence and the plants intertwined on it. We did
remove the barbed wire! It contained enough 60’ to 85’ mature trees that when
leafed out, we do not see the houses behind us. The southwest corner adjoins a
60 acre nature preserve where Darlene maintained a BB trail. The first box is
approx. 1/4 mile away.
We spent the first years inventorying the plants, watching the birds that
came to the feeders & heated birdbath and preparing the areas for planting. We
wanted to plant shade tolerant bushes that would produce berries & make an
understory for the fence row. Our plans took a twist in the path when one winter
day I saw a male BB perched in the ash tree about 15’ from our kitchen window.
He drank a sip of water from the birdbath & flew on. He did not return that
year. I began researching specific BB plants. The following spring we began to
add native BB plants, focusing on those that produce berries in the winter. We
put up a nest box hoping that a CC, TT or DW might use it.That fall & winter we
saw 6 new species of birds in our yard. In May we banded & fledged 5 TT. We
added more shrubs and another nest box. That fall we spotted a flock of 6 BB
eating the berries of gray dogwood & spicebush! We saw them regularly until the
fall & winter berries had been eaten (12/17/97). They had “pool parties”,
explored old woodpecker holes & our two boxes. Jan 24, 1998, we saw 4 BB drink
at the birdbath. On 2/23, I heard a bluebird singing loudly. A male was perched
on top of the new nest box! He explored the box & sang and the next day a female
appeared. Over the next days we watched them defend “their” box & court. We
couldn’t believe our eyes. We were concerned as the box was too near the woods
for BB. We didn’t want to set them up for failure.
March 28, the female was carrying nesting material! I gathered pine needles
from a friend’s yard and the female eagerly carried them to the box as the male
watched. Two days later, they mated twice on a tree limb near their box. When I
opened the box on 4/10 there were 2 WHITE eggs. She laid three total-all white.
When the nestlings were 8 days old, Darlene banded 1 F & 2 M as I proudly looked
on. It was addicting to hold a young nestling in my hand! I had caught BB fever.
Darlene suggested that we move the box after they fledged. The next day I woke
up to a phone call asking if I would pick up 3 nestlings from The Ohio Wildlife
Center. They had been brought in after people saw a cat kill the parents. They
had been born the same day as the ones in our yard. I’ll never forget the
parents’ reaction after the F entered her box that now had 3 more mouths to
feed! She left quickly with a lot of wing waving and hopping about, calling all
the while. The M came. He entered the box and came back out wing-waving &
babbling. We supplemented their diet w/ mealworms since we had double the size
of their family. What a sight to see the spotted fledglings being fed by the
male. Our first BB experience had fledged 3 females & 3 males.
Our yard now has 31 different types of berry producing plantings that are
specific to BB and 3 nest boxes. Last spring we had CC, TT & BB nest! We have
seen over 60 species of birds. Several have been migrants that were attracted to
the berries. As I write this (2-6-00), 6 BB are 15’ from the kitchen window
eating mealworms, BB banquet, currants, ground suet and of course, berries.
PLANT IT AND THEY WILL COME.
Like other birders, I have been frustrated by lack of cross-over info between
gardening & birding. I would like to recommend an article in Bird Watcher’s
Digest April 1998 issue entitled “Berries for Birds” by Kathy Piper. It is an
excellent discussion of why berry producing plants might fail to attract birds.
I could have avoided some of my early mistakes if I would have read this years
ago!! Landscaping For Wildlife is an excellent resource for northern gardeners
but it is not specific to BB. Enjoying Bluebirds More by Julie Zickefoose has a
list of native North American plants adapted from tables compiled by Karen Black
burn for NABS. Connie Toops has a list in her book Bluebirds Forever that
separates plantings for eastern BB from western & mountain BB. Donald & Lillian
Stokes also have a list in their book The Bluebird Book. I purchased all of
these books at Wild Birds Unlimited. Consult w/ your local extension service or
garden nurseries. Better yet, take a walk in surrounding parks or arboretums at
the time of year you are targeting & ask the naturalists about berry producing
plants that you see. For in-depth info regarding individual plants consult
Michael Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants although disregard statements
like “so bitter even the birds won’t eat them.” He’s a gardener not a birder.
BJ McKirahan
member Ohio Bluebird Society
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 20:58:00 -0600
From: "Keith & Sandy Kridler" kridler"at"1starnet.com
Subject: warning signs/holly berries
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
At a very popular county lake park I installed a bluebird trail and used a
very nice hand painted sign attached to a pole with a bluebird box above it. It
was worded, "Disrupting the nests of Bluebirds is punishable by state and
federal laws." These words were painted over our flags "stripes" very bold
letters and this turned out to be a favorite feeding and nesting site of
bluebirds. Also at the concession stand/bulletin area a couple of brochures were
placed under glass explaining about the bluebirds. I found it best to wear some
type of "bluebird" shirt while checking these boxes because I would be harassed
by people using the park. They believed I was "disrupting" the nesting
bluebirds.
Holly berries: Just because the berries are red does not mean that they are
ripe yet! Different plants of the same variety will ripen at different times.
Just like when persimmons turn orange and they are not ripe. It takes different
conditions for the berries to convert the starches in the berry to sugar. A
berry covered bush that is too bitter for birds to eat this week may ripen &
disappear next week while the plant right next to it may take two more weeks to
ripen. Since many hollies are taken from cuttings from a single "mother" plant a
nursery may end up with hundreds of "clones" that will ripen berries identically
as their "mother". Most hollies have male and female flowers on different
plants. Only the female bushes will have berries although both plants will
flower thus the need to "clone" the berry producing plants. Rather than cut
real holly limbs to try to attract the bluebird to your feeder do as Ron
Kingston suggests and buy some plastic or silk hollybranches to hang near the
feeder.KK
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 19:21:24 EST
From: PapagenoNY"at"aol.com
Subject: American Cranberry Bush
From the Desk of Jerry HOUSER Albany, NY
Greetings!
Question related to the American Cranberry Bush (Viburnum Trilobum).
Both our Town Parks' Superintendent and the Park horticulturist has advised
me not to plant the above noted shrub in our community gardens where I am
establishing a Bluebird trail. Both advise that there is a disease/blight (not
sure which) that is working its way across North America from the West- not yet
having reached the East coast. And further, that the disease or blight is
resistant to any kind of control.
They expect to be attending a seminar this week to learn more about the
problem but I am wondering if any of you are aware of this problem?
I'll pass along any info that they gain on this topic. ...
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 22:39:03 -0500 (EST)
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
To: PapagenoNY"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Hello Jerry, I didnt bother to look up this shrub but think it may be related
to or is whats called the High Bush Cranberry. If so the Eastern Bluebirds in
Ohio had little interest in it. It was placed on the table feeder along with all
other berries and suet. None ever touched them. They are bright red beautiful
berries but must not be on their desired list. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 06:38:45 EST
From: PapagenoNY"at"aol.com
To: hubertrap"at"webtv.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Joe
Thanks for the info. Yes- American Cranberry, High Bush Cranberry are the same,
that is, they are both Viburnum trilobum. Keeping in mind, within that
classification, there are as many as 8 cultivars,(each with its own name) some
with very different characteristics: tall, short, variation of the berries in
size, color, taste, etc., a variety of leaf coloration, shape, etc. (Identified
in Michael A. Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants)
So, there may be one cultivar attractive to Bluebirds, and others that are
not. Unfortunately, rarely does one see cultivar information at the nursery but
merely Cranberry Bush.
Getting back to my original Message to the group, I will pass along any
information that I find as to which, if not all, cultivars are subject to this
very new blight moving west to east across the Continent.
Jerry
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 05:33:25 PST
From: "dean sheldon"
Subject: Re: burning & thornbrush
Burning would little have little effect on either hawthorn or multiflora rose.
While the burning might destroy the above ground plant parts, the plants would
merely restart from a very large and healthy rootstock beneath the ground.
Roundup, Spike or other agricultural chemical suited for this purpose would
produce better results. Roundup, for example, kills ALL plant parts...even to
the root tips. In severe cases, backhoes/bulldozers are used to actually dig
out the offending plants. But, even then, some chemical application might be
required the following growing season to kill spouts developing from the roots
which were missed or not completely removed. Consultation with an ag agent or
the Cooperative Extension Service at the Land Grant university in your state
is strongly recommended. Dean Sheldon, Huron County, OH {multiflora rose combatant
since 1964]
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 07:33:44 -0800 (PST)
From: Sandy Pasquariello
To: PapagenoNY"at"aol.com, hubertrap"at"webtv.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Hi, I just made out an order to Gurney's nursery for the Am Cranberry Bush. I
have always read that it was a favorite for birds. At least, that's what the
ads always say in the catalogs. Sandy, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 08:11:23 PST
From: "dean sheldon"
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
You will find, as I have, that the birds have little interest in this fruit
during the fall/winter months. It is in the spring that it seems to get the
feeding attention of Cedar Waxwings, Robins and, of course, Starlings. We have
a windbreak planting of these interspersed with Autumn Olive right behind our
house where the birds are easily observed. I have never seen an EABL feeding
on these fruits. Dean Sheldon, Huron County, OH [south of Lake Erie]
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 11:21:20 -0500 (EST)
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
To: sandy_flowers"at"yahoo.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Hi Sandy and all, Hope the American Cranberry is different than the High bush
Cranberry I grew. Had beautiful red berries but no birds showed any interest.
Considering that 53+ species visited my yard and none ate them that I seen.
Yours may be different than mine. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 11:28:27 EST
From: Articfox7672"at"aol.com
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
From BJ McKirahan Dublin, (central) Ohio USDA zone 5
If the garden center or nursery you are dealing with can't give you the
cultivar's name, ask to speak to the manager. As you said, cultivars can vary
widely from parents. When they order their stock, they have info on what they
are receiving. If they cannot give you this info, deal with some other business
or use mail order. Don't forget to tell them this. This info is very important
to the consumer.
I have also experienced the problem of a new cultivar differing in it's required
growing conditions. Example Viburnam dentatum (species not cultivar) common name
Arrowwood (native BB plant that Indians used for shafts of arrows) is very shade
tolerant. New cultivars Viburnam dentatum 'Northern Burgundy' & 'Chicago Luster'
require more sun to produce berries & have good fall color.
BJ McKirahan
member OBS & nursery employee
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 13:16:25 -0700
From: "Linda"
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Hello--
I think that 'what birds eat' is not a very simple matter. There are lots of
cultivars and hybrids out there that can make comparisons complicated, but also
the darned birds just will not behave consistently. We don't really understand
how bird food habits are affected by what other food sources are available, what
competition there is for a particular berry, whether the berries have gone
through a frost, whether the bushes are new or established, or maybe even things
like whether it's Tuesday or Friday and sunny or rainy. I have a few high bush
cranberries that flowered last year, but the flowers were beat off by hail so we
didn't get any berries. Don't know if the birds will like them, but I suspect
the bushes will provide good cover whether the birds eat the berries or not.
I
like to experiment, especially with native plants. I look for plants that are
likely to handle the climate and soils here and then watch to see what happens.
We have planted hackberry, native rose, crabapple, dogwood, privet, apricot,
Russian olive, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, currant, juniper, buffalo berry, sand
cherry, mountain ash, sumac, native plum, along with grasses and wildflowers.
So far the birds have eaten about everything that has produced berries or seeds
except for the native plum. And so far the bluebirds have eaten only insects.
I put out bluebird treat, commercial insect and berry suets, home-made gorp,
but the bluebirds like those little fuzzy caterpillars and that's what they
eat when they come here. Amazing how rude they can be, turning up their noses
at all those expensive shrubs that I worked so hard to plant and grow!!
Linda
SE Wyoming Grasslands, USA
ljand"at"vcn.com
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 16:36:46 -0600
From: "Bill Darnell"
To: "Linda"
,
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Linda and all:
I had forgotten about one tree here which ALL birds I know about go ape over
in the summer: The Wild Black Cherry! With one exception, of course. I have
never seen a bluebird eating them. Even during nesting time, it seems the adults
of other species stop for snacks during the day.
Bill
Savannah, TN
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 17:46:53 -0800 (PST)
From: Sandy Pasquariello
To: hubertrap"at"webtv.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
We also have something in SC called American Beauty Bush which has some berries
on it. I am going to plant some of this one. Does anyone know about this shrub?
Sandy, SC 72 deg and sunny today.
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2000 21:34:15 EST
From: PapagenoNY"at"aol.com
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Sandy
I see two possibilities:
Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)
or
Kolkwitzia amabilis (Beautybush)
Of the two, the first is more common; the second rather rare. Try to get the
botanical name; I'd be glad to mail you details.
Jerry
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 13:01:07 -0500 (EST)
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
To: sandy_flowers"at"yahoo.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: American Cranberry Bush
Hi Sandy and all, When I lived in Ohio we planted a Beauty bush but it never
produced any berries. Perhaps the one you have found is different strain. Ours
had pink bloom that gave it the name of Beauty bush. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2000 14:48:54 -0500
From: "Bruce Burdett"
To:
Subject: Kolkwitzia
To: All shrubbery people,
As someone has suggested, the so-called Beautybush, or Beauty Bush, is
definitely 'Kolkwitzia amabilis.' It has pink buds (profuse) and the opened
blooms include a lot of white. As far as I've ever seen, it has no significant
berries. It thrives in the worst of soils, and when it's in full bloom , it's so
luxuriant that the foliage is scarcely visible. Beautyberry comes in two
nationalities, - Japanese (Callicarpa japonica) and Chinese (C. purpurea) Both
have violet-to-purple fruits (berries), but whether birds like them or not, I
haven't the foggiest. Ask Jeeves, or somebody.
Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH
Date: 16 Mar 00 10:26:11 PST
From: Cindy McWilliams mcwillc"at"netscape.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: American Beauty Berry
A couple of weeks ago someone was looking for an American Beauty Berry Bush.
Please forgive me if someone already answered that request but I saw a place to
order them and thought I'd share it. Missouri Wildflowers Nursery, 9814 Pleasant
Hill Road, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109, Ph:573-496-3492, e-mail:mowldflrs"at"socket.net
sells the Callicarpa americana. Do Bluebirds like those berries?
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 21:44:47 -0800
From: "R_C Walshaw" walshaw"at"gte.net
Subject: Question for Fread Loame
In one of our Oklahoma Bluebird newsletters you recommended a vine that grew
berries that bluebirds loved. You were so right. One of these grew to the top of
my basketball hoop pole in one year, and it is beautiful! Unfortunately I can't
find the copy of the newsletter and I have forgotten its name. It would be good
info for the Listserve if you will print it again. THANKS!
We are fortunate to have a member with your in-depth knowledge of
horticulture (in addition to a lot of other information).
Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2000 15:42:37 -0600
From: "Fread Loane" firefrost2"at"earthlink.net
To: "BLUEBIRD-L" BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Porcelain Berry Vine
There is an interesting and decorative vine which some of you may wish to
include in your landscape. If happy, it will produce an abundance of berries
which the birds relish. One of the common names of this plant is "Porcelain
Berry Vine". The form which I am going to reccommend is Ampelopsis
brevipedunculata 'Elegans'. The form 'Elegans' is a much better cultivated
variety to secure.
The established vine produces deeply lobed green leaves that create a lacy
pattern on walls, fences and arbors. In early, cool weather, the leaves are
heavily variegated with white to cream-colored splotches. During the heat of the
year, the variegation will disappear to return again in the cooling fall
temperatures. It is grown for this "chameleon effect" not only on its leaves,
but also on its berries! The vine produces clusters of 1/4" berries which change
from light green to turquoise, lavender, deep purple and finally a beautiful
porcelain blue! Frequently, all colors may appear in the same cluster of
berries. With forked tendrills, these perennial vines climb any vertical
support, maturing at 15-20' in length. The vine is hardy in Zones 5-10.
The vine thrives in full sun or in light shade. It grows best in light soils
but will tolerate dry, rocky soils as well. Feed it once a year with a general
purpose garden fertilizer. It can be pruned early in the year to thin or shape
the vine. It is easy to propate from its seeds, stem cuttings, or by pegging
stems to the ground in the spring, then cutting the rooted tips from the mother
plant the following year. Check with your local nursery for supplies.
Fread J. Loane
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 11:01:38 -0500
From: "dbuller"
Subject: type of trees for bluebirds
I will be planting some trees about 250 yards away from a bluebird trail. Are
there any types of trees that would be beneficial for bluebirds?
Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 16:55:01 EDT
From: KCBSP"at"aol.com
Subject: Re: type of trees for bluebirds
You asked about plants for your yard that would attract bluebirds. There are
quite a few. I'll list them.
Trees
Common Hackberry
Sugarberry
Alternate-leaf Dogwood
Washington Hawthorn
American Holly
Eastern Red Cedar
Red Mulberry
Black Tupelo
American Mountain Ash
SHRUBS, VINES
Red Chokeberry
Beautyberry
Silky Dogwood
Gray Dogwood
Red-osier Dogwood
Autumn Olive
Northern Bayberry
Virginia Creeper
Mistletoe
Pokeweed
Common Chokeberry
Scarlet Firethorn
American Black Currant
American Elderberry
Sazzzfras
Highbush Blueberry
Wild Grapes
AND ALSO POISON IVY!!! THAT PRODUCES BERRY THAT BLUEBIRDS LOVE!!
Any berry producing tree or shrub..check with your local nursery.
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