American Robins: Overwintering in MN

American Robins are known to overwinter in Minnesota in modest numbers. I have occasionally seen a Robin or two over the years. However, this year I have seen quite a few. Last week, during the sub-zero temperatures, I saw three separate flocks (on the same day!) feeding on the berries of Hackberry trees (Celtis occidentalis). Each flock numbered about 24 to 36 birds.



My dad reported several American Robins eating the small, red fruits on his Eastern Wahoo tree (Euonymus atropurpurea) last week. He adds, "This is the third winter that the female Cardinal has eaten berries from this tree." This is exciting to know because I have not heard many reports regarding what birds feed on the fruit of Eastern Wahoo.



I am glad these birds are finding food at this time of year. If American Robins are shifting their winter ranges farther north, it is not clear. I have heard reports that birds are more sensitive to climate change. Birds are more sensitive to climate change whether the shifting is due to short term weather patterns or long terms changes. Northern Cardinals shifted north years ago and we enjoy seeing them during our winter seasons.



All sightings were in Saint Paul, MN

Northern Shrike Sighting

This Sunday, my family was visiting my parents house in Saint Paul, MN. We were enjoying some hot tea and cookies when my dad excitedly announced, "Everyone, come to the window and look at who is sitting on the bird feeder!" We all stopped visiting and looked out the window together. My dad asked if we knew what it was? We guessed wrong several times but finally named the bird....A Northern Shrike.

Photo by: Tom Munson

www.fishandgame.idaho.gov

This is exciting for us becuase their back yard is located in the city. This is a bird that is more commonly seen in rural areas. This was my second sighting of a Shrike in my life. Happy New Year to you and yours!!!!

Book: Bringing Nature Home

Bringing Nature Home

How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens

by Douglas W. Tallamy

Tallamy's research as an entomologist make a poignant, positive and pro-active argument for using native plants in our gardens. Many advocates of native plants for gardening and restoration have suspected for many years that non-native, alien ornamental plants do not provide much environmental benefit. Now we have the proof. This books is based on scientific evidence that native plants and native plant communities are essential to support insect populations and the bird populations that feed on them.

He suggest that gardeners can "make a difference" in their suburban or urban communities by creating habitat on their properties using native plants.

This book includes very informative pictures and native plant lists that relate to insects. Many of the native plants listed in this book are native to the Midwest.

Book: Birdscaping in the Midwest

Birdscaping in the Midwest

A Guide to Gardening with Native Plants to Attract Birds

by Mariette Nowak

This is one of the most important books on landscaping to become available in years! While most gardening books are coffee table books that recycle the same garden images, the book provides us fresh information about landscaping for birds.

Birdscaping in the Midwest illustrates, in detail, the fundamental relationships between native plants and birds. Mariette Nowak shows gardeners and landowners will find how they can deepen their relationship to the natural environment.

Highlight found in this book: bird-focused landscaping, native plant lists, garden designs, many informative pictures, sustainable practices in the landscape.

Legumes: The Beauty of Nitrogen Fixation

LEGUMES
Native to Minnesota



These plants are beneficial to native plant gardens because they help enhance the nitrogen fixation in soils by soil rhizobium (beneficial bacteria). If we integrate these types of native plants with other native plants in residential "prairie gardens" or "savanna gardens" in increases the overall health and longevity of our gardens. These plants look great when planted in groups or clusters.



Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) Native to WI

Wild senna (Cassia hebecarpa) Native to WI

Hog peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata)

Round headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata)

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa) Shrub

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) Small Shrub

Purple prairie clover (Dalea purpureum)

Silky prairie clover (Dalea villosum)

Wild licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota)

Canada milkvetch (Astralagus canadensis)

Showy tick trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis)

Prairie indigo (Baptisia bracteata)

Dwarf False Indigo (Amorpha nana)

Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

Corylus americana:

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

In the past year (2008) I have been asked many many times....

Q: Does this plant need to have a male and a female plant to cross pollinate in order to produce fruit?

A: No,this plant is monoecious. It has both sexes are on the same plant.

This plant is slow to develop at first. I recommend starting with a #5 container size (24"-30" ht.). It takes 4 to 5 years for this plant grow large enough to develop fruit (hazelnuts). This confuses many people who are eager to have fruit. This plant really needs to be in mostly sun during the day. If American Hazelnut is in too much shade it will produce little or no fruit. This confuses many people who are eager to have fruit. In the meantime, enjoy its structure, fall color and habitat cover until the fruit arrive.

More information is available at USDA.
http://www.plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_coam3.pdf

Wildflower Berries for the Birds

Wildflower Berries
Native to Minnesota

Fruits on these plants appear in September-October. The fruit are important for birds as they prepare for migration. These plants are usually found along woodland margins and open woods. In other words, these plants do well in partial sun.
I highly recommend for gardens that are for the birds.


Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Aralia racemosa (American Spikenard)
Smilax herbacea (Smooth Carrion Flower) Very smelly during bloom
Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon's Seal)
Smilacina stellata (Starry False Solomon's Seal)
Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon's Seal)
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue Cohosh)
Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh; Bugbane) Native WI
Actaea rubra (Red Baneberry)
Actaea pachypoda (Doll's Eyes)
Maianthemum canadense (Wild Lily-of-the-Valley)