Top Photo: American robin forages for worms and grubs.

Many birds rely on insects and other invertebrates for food especially in the nesting season when protein is a priority. But what do they eat in the cooler months when insects are less active and not readily available? Though many insects are still preyed upon in winter, mostly as eggs or grubs, some birds often rely on various fruits for nourishment during the slow winter period.

Fruits like beauty berry, holly (both American and yaupon holly), wax myrtle, firethorn (Pyracantha), rose hips, cedar, and other winter fruit play a big part in many birds’ diets.

Birds like American robin (top photo), hermit thrush, cedar waxwing, yellow-rumped warbler and others depend on fruit lingering on shrubs and vines into winter to maintain themselves through the cold months.

Claims are staked and defended. As winter goes on and the pickings become slim, the fruit becomes more important to the birds, life and death important.

These locations are great places to observe birds. Find a fruiting tree with berries and hang out. The birds, if not nearby, are probably already aware and have the site committed to memory. They’ll be back.

Ranger Greg