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 valuable from October to April.
Wine-Colored Purple Finches
The male purple finch, which may be enticed to gardens where American lollies are planted, is one of our 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. 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 were an occasional conifer towered above its neighbors.
These birds have taken kindly to civilization and now also breed around artificial 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
In the winter, they are apt to be seen anywhere from considerably north of the southern nesting range into Florida and Texas. Arizona and lower California.
Incidentally, it took us 10 years to attract the first purple finch breeders to this part of the country, but we were well rewarded last summer when about nine pairs brought 26 young ones to our feeders.
The Purple Finch’s Song
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 married season. Then lie easily takes his place among the world’s noteworthy songsters.
The whole 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 repeatedly. At the same time, the ecstatic bird rises -high into the air and descends into the trees, still singing.
Its Preferences
In addition to its all-year preferences at the feeding tray, the purple finch feeds on buds and blossoms, but this tree and shrub pruning are 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.
When other plants are primarily bare and leafless in late autumn and winter, their bright red berries strongly contrast with their dark green leaves.
100 Varieties
Individual plants differ widely in their distinctive qualities or traits, and almost 100 varieties have been described.
Commercial growers sometimes have their pet strain, which they propagate because they are sure of its performance.
A few types that have acquired wide distribution are the following:
- ARDEN
- BOUNTIFUL
- CARDINAL
- CROONENBURG
- EAST PALATKA
- LAKE CITY
- TABER No. 3
While the American holly is native to vast 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.
Where Holly Grows
Holly grows naturally on sandy soils with sandy or gravelly subsoils that provide good drainage and aeration. Still, it will thrive in ordinary gardens if the necessary acid condition is produced by adding oak leaf mold or peat moss.
Using these materials as mulch is highly recommended to conserve moisture—commercial fertilizers.
Lime, bonemeal, and fresh manure should be avoided. If fertilizer is required, it should be cottonseed meal, oak leaf mold, tobacco stems, or dust.
American Holly’s Female Flowers
American holly’s female or fruit-producing flowers are borne on one tree, and the male or pollen-bearing Rowers on another.
Insects accomplish pollination, 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 the 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 the hearing, it should be possible to do virtually all the needed pruning in removing material for Christmas decorations.
If not carried to excess, this annual selective cutting can improve the tree’s appearance and still leave enough fruit to serve our feathered friends.
44659 by Alfred E. Runk