This year my shady corner native shrubs have really come of age and for the first time I’ve enjoyed watching a Blackbird family go nuts for them, some fledgelings have learned to jump from the ground while others land somewhat precariously on the berry-laden limbs.
The shrubby corner includes Spindle, Euonymous europaeus, Wayfaring-tree, Viburnum lantana, a member of the honeysuckle family and several Dogwoods, Cornus sanguinea. Sadly a hazel hasn’t taken well but all the others are flourishing. Only the ripe black berries are being taking so I may get to watch for a while. The crop seems a little early to me perhaps due to the hot dry spring after such a very wet winter, only time will tell.
One thing’s for sure, no two seasons are ever alike, and that, in a nutshell, is the joy of wildlife gardening!
Fledgling Blackbird perched on berry-laden Wayfaring-tree
Fledgling Blackbird plucking ripe berries from a Wayfaring-tree, Viburnum lantana
Fledgling Blackbird with Dogwood berry in its mouth
Ripening Wayfaring-tree, Viburnum lantana, berries