Re: Woodcock and a use for Bradford Pears

["Reece Mitchell" <rmitche2@tds.net>]

Bradford Pear is pretty low on my list, too. Here the blossoms are frozen
about every other year and the color which comes late in fall is often so
late that the leaves freeze before they change color. Also ice storms tear
them up because the branches come off the trunk at acute angles. However,
the few fruits those here bear are eaten by Waxwings, Robins and
Mockingbirds. This winter a mockingbird has taken over two pear trees and
three Fosters hollys and defends them against all comers.
                                  Reece Mitchell
                                  Flat Rock, NC
                                  rmitche2@tds.net
----- Original Message -----
From: <steven.shultz@unifi.com>
To: <carolinabirds@duke.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 8:20 AM
Subject: Woodcock and a use for Bradford Pears


>
>
> The warm weather seems to have prompted the return of the neighborhood
woodcock.
> As I was washing the splattered pear-tree fruit off Tracy's car last
evening I
> heard the familiar "peent" of a woodcock behind the house.  Quickly hosing
off
> the car, I proceeded to the marshy area behind the house and was treated
to
> flight displays, fly-bys, and a bird feeding in the open about 10 yards
away.
> Sounds like my concern over the birds was unfounded, they are alive, well,
and
> displaying after a brief period of reclusiveness.
>
> Speaking of the pear tree, as I was cursing the fact that the tree
overhangs the
> driveway, I considered that Bradford Pears must have little wildlife value
> despite the profusion of fruit.  I was taught a lesson this morning upon
leaving
> the house, a flock of Cedar Waxwings alighted in the tree and began to
devour
> fruit.  I guess I'm happy to trade a messy car for the privilege of seeing
the
> handsome waxwings.  We had noted waxwings in this tree before, but thought
they
> were just passing through.
>
> Best,
> Steve Shultz
> Cary, NC
>
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