Birds eating native plant fruit

 

A gorgeous White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) perches on the leafy stalk of a tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima). This seems to be a great winter for them in Ohio. I've had up to a dozen at once in my backyard and have seen/heard scores of them on nearly every field outing, no matter where. This individual is of the white morph, which in my experience, in this part of the world, is greatly outnumbered by the drabber tan-striped morphs.

In spite of the frigid temperatures of late, the jaunty little sparrows are already tuning up their voices. I hear the mournful whistled songs daily now, even in single digit temps. Lengthening daylight is stimulating the males to hone their voices. I miss them when they return to the north woods to breed.

I should note that when I made this image, in late October in Champaign County, Ohio, several dozen White-throated and White-crowned sparrows were gorging on the seeds of tall goldenrod (often referred to as Canada goldenrod, but that's another story) and various asters. These native plants are a vital source of food for seed-eating birds and should be conserved whenever possible. There are about 37 native goldenrod species in Ohio, and perhaps 46-47 native asters, a number of which are available in the native nursery trade, and any of them are great additions to the yardscape for those interested in spiking biodiversity. Leaves for Wildlife Native Plant Nursery, Scioto Gardens, and Monarch Meadows Native Plant Nursery are good central Ohio sources for native flora.

A White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) feasts on tall goldenrod. It and its comrades were also snacking on the fruit of purple swamp aster (Symphyotrichum puniceum), which is an utterly stunning plant when in bloom.

An American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) plunders seeds from the capsules of a senescent common evening-primrose (Oenothera biennis). This native likely will pop up in your yard with no assistance. If it does, consider yourself fortunate and protect it. This primrose is also alluring to some very cool moths, including the spectacular primrose moth (Schinia florida). Read about that marvelous insect, along with an interesting photo, RIGHT HERE.