Category: Robins

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Ice covered berries of NATIVE honeysuckle. Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).

The scarlet berries bring Quail, Purple Finches, Goldfinches, Hermit Thrushes, American Robins, and surely more birds, to the vines which are native to the southeastern United States.

Spring Azure butterflies and Snowberry Clearwing moths use the Trumpet Honeysuckle as their host plant.

And if you’re guessing that Hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms you are certainly correct.

I’m fascinated by the leaves immediately below blooms which are not only opposite but also fused into an oblong shape that creates a cup that can catch raindrops, making silvery pebbles of water. I’m going to experiment with propagating Trumpet Honeysuckle come spring, either by layering and/or by cuttings. Wish me luck!

Birdbaths in Winter

During the winter my birdbaths really draw the birds. Bring in birds that aren’t interested in the seeds and suet that I put out at the feeders. Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) and Robins (Turdus migratorius) don’t eat at the feeders but they sure take pleasure in the water.

Another on my list of those that have no interest in the bird feeders, a Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus), who shows up simply because I use a water warmer to keep ice from freezing. A water warmer along with a long medium duty/outdoor extension cord.

And still another bird on that list, a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), affectionately know as Butterbutt.

Birds can eat snow to get the moisture they need but it takes precious energy to convert that frigid chill of snow to the bird’s body temperature. Precious energy. Some birds even bathe during the cold of winter to keep their feathers clean IF water is available. And of course there are all the birds that eat the yummy suet and seeds that are out there in the feeders. They need that water in liquid form too. The more the merrier at the ol’ watering hole.