Mariton: Bird Attractants

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager.  Photos by Carole Mebus. 

Virginia Creeper berries

We saw a lot of birds on Tuesday’s Nature Walk.  Whenever we saw birds they were in the berries.  Grapes and Virginia Creeper were the main attractants this week.  The week before, we were seeing Purple Finches taking advantage of Tuliptree seeds.  The birds know when the food is right.  As observers, it is important to be aware of food sources.  Sure, sometimes we see the wildlife first, but sometimes it is just checking on places we know might be productive that pays off.

Poison Ivy berries

While many people hate Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), birds love the berries.  Usually late in the winter is when I see wildlife eating the berries.  I’ve watched woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, and other bird species chowing down on these berries.  I have even watched Gray Squirrels negotiating the thin, but elastic vines to take advantage of the calories.