The feeding tray serves as a convenient small stage on which we may observe the performing bird actors close at hand. Many birds - purple finches, evening grosbeaks. cardinals, fox sparrows, towhees. woodpeckers and the like, are chiefly known to the general public for their activities at the feeding station. That is. they are usually seen eating sunflower and other seeds, suet or peanut products.
These birds supplement this diet and spend considerable time scouring the countryside for fruit. They will often be attracted and retained by planting American holly, Ilex opaca, whose berries are ornamental and useful from October to April.
The male purple finch which may be enticed to gardens where American ‘lollies are planted, is one of our very few wine-colored birds in the full sunlight. in the very top of a small tree - a favorite perch, he is as striking a bird as the tanager or the cardinal. It takes him four years to reach the maximum in color. The first year male and the female of any age are virtually indistinguishable in the field us the plumage of both is dark brown and heavily streaked.
The original breeding grounds for purple finches were in the openings in northern forests created by swamps. streams and ponds where an occasional conifer towered above its neighbors. These birds have taken kindly to civilization and now also breed around man-made clearings and invade parks and residential areas where evergreens have been planted. As a result, their summer range has been extended from the northern regions of North America into our northern states, in the mountains to Maryland and on the Pacific coast to lower California. In the winter they are apt to be seen anywhere from considerably north of the southern nesting range into Florida, Texas. Arizona and lower California. Incidentally, it took us ten years to attract the first purple finch-breeders to this part of the country but we were well rewarded last summer when about nine pair brought 26 young ones to our feeders.
While the purple finch often begins to sing in January and frequently retains his song until November, his full powers of voice belong to the nuptial season. Then lie easily takes his place among the world’s noteworthy songsters. The full song is a sweet-toned, carelessly flowing warble and of a character not readily forgotten. It bursts forth, as if from some uncontrollable stress of gladness, and is repeated uninterruptedly over and.over again, while the ecstatic bird rises -high into the air and descends into the trees still singing.
In addition to its all-year preferences at the feeding tray, the purple finch feeds on buds and blossoms hut this tree and shrub pruning is not excessive. Though sometimes viewed with alarm by the orchardist, it has never been known to do material harm to any crops. The finch relishes the pulp and seeds of crabapples, dogwoods, hawthorns and hollies. Few trees equal the American holly in decorative value. In late autumn and winter, when other plants are mostly bare and leafless, its bright red berries show in strong contrast to its dark green leaves.
Individual plants differ widely in their distinctive qualities or traits and almost 100 varieties have been described. Commercial growers sometimes have their own pet strain which they propagate because they are sure of its performance.
While the American holly is native in wide areas along the Eastern seaboard, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River valley, it may be grown much beyond its natural range. If the proper variety is obtained and given a bit of care and wind protection, it may succeed on the great plains, in the northern forest regions and in the mountains to an altitude of almost a mile. Growth along the Pacific coast is excellent where there is sufficient moisture.
Holly grows naturally on sandy soils with sandy or gravelly subsoils that provide good drainage and aeration but it will thrive in ordinary gardens if the necessary acid condition is produced by the addition of oak leafmold or peat-moss. To conserve moisture, the use of these materials as mulch is highly recommended. Commercial fertilizers. lime, bonemeal and fresh manure should be avoided. If a fertilizer is required, it should be cottonseed meal, oak leafmold, tobacco stems or tobacco dust.
The female or fruit-producing flowers of American holly arc borne on one tree and the male or pollen-bearing Rowers on another. Pollination is accomplished by insects and one male tree is sufficient for five to ten female trees depending upon the distance they are separated. In the smaller property, where only one tree may be planted, it is possible to bring about fruiting through addition of a male branch by budding or grafting, by cutting twigs from a male tree when in bloom and placing them in a pail of water near the female tree.
The foliage of hollies is often more attractive in light shade, but the maximum berry production is obtained in full sun. After the tree has come into hearing, it should he possible to do virtually all the needed pruning in removing material for Christmas decorations. If not carried to excess, this annual selective cutting can serve to improve the appearance of the tree and still leave enough fruit to serve our feathered friends.
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