We are currently enjoying our annual visit by cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum). They only appear as the berries begin to ripen on our neighbor’s downy serviceberry tree (Amelanchier arborea).
Category: Trees
Birds and berries
The berries of the cedar (juniper), wahoo, and winterberries are quite popular with a variety of birds. We didn’t plan for the visibility of the berries when we planted the shrubs, however it’s great fun watching the birds feed while we stay warm indoors.
Sassafras in autumn
Our young sassafras tree (Sassafras albidum) has been a brilliant splash of yellow, and I’ve loved seeing it from the kitchen window. Knowing it would not last much longer, I went out with my camera.
Cardinal in the wahoo tree
Yes, you read that right. Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a small tree that is native to most of the Midwest, including Kentucky. Ours is now at peak color, and this cardinal apparently thought it was time to sample the seeds.
Black gum in October
I’m glad we took Stacy Borden’s advice in 2005 and planted a black gum, or tupelo tree, (Nyssa sylvatica) in the backyard. I like it for several reasons, however I especially like its consistent fall color.
