skip to main content

The Feeding Tree

16 years ago

We are in the midst of a snowstorm. This is just to show the feeding frenzy that is going on here! This is an old Elm. We call it the Feeding Tree for obvious reasons. I hang all feeders here because we have such a good view of it from several windows.
{{gwi:635994}}From Birds

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

rachel_frome_ky
16 years ago
Whoa! Whatta bird show..and what a beautiful photograph!!
kendra2003
16 years ago
That's a great picture. Looks like you gets lots of Cardinals. I only see one or two around here. I love seeing their bright red color against the snow.
Related Discussions
sargetia theezans feeding advice tree growing too fast!
Q
Comments (3)
Your trees are growing leggy because they need more light and are reaching to get it. Provide more hours by using a fluorescent hung 6" (not more) above them, using T5 or T8 bulbs if you can. If not, you can get smaller table types good for a couple of plants at a time, but I'm not sure what they're called in terms of 'gro-lites' or 'daylights' etc... maybe someone else can tell you.
...See More
Weed and feed vs trees
Q
Comments (1)
That reminds me: one hose-end weed sprayer that I have, but haven't yet used very much, says that it is not to be used within the drip line of trees. The problem is that this excludes a good portion of my yard where the weeds are.
...See More
Is this an incredibly stupid way to feed a tree?
Q
Comments (5)
I think it would work too. I also think you'll be surprised at how few holes you'll need to make in the buckets in order to have them emtpy out. I've made a couple of vacation waterers in the past out of similar buckets (with the plan that they would drip longer than what you're describing) and it's always surprising how quickly the water drains out, so I'd say test-drive with plain water and just a small hole or two and let us know what you do and how it works out. You can always also try those fertilizer spikes and clear an area of mulch, hammer them into the soil, water and go, but they do need to be where there is frequent deep irrigation so placement might be an issue. I think your idea is a fun experiment--keep us posted! Take care, Grant
...See More
need help with my valencia and dwarf lemon
Q
Comments (3)
Let me add to John's excellent advice - I agree, not a fan of MG, and it's really not organic. Frankly, all non-organic fertilizers become organic as the break down. You don't need to use nearly as much with a non-organic product (so you save $$$$), and as long as you're giving your trees enough water, any salts from non-organic fertilizers that might possibly build up will be leeched out. Vigoro Citrus/Avocado is fine, but I do prefer Gro Power Citrus & Avocado Food. It contains a large amount of humic acid, which is very helpful if you live in S. California or AZ (you don't say where you live in you GW signature). Watering 24 inches is plenty - citrus feeder roots exist in the top 18 to 24" of soil. Also, you need to remove the grass from under your trees. Grass will compete with the Nitrogen, which is what looks like is happening to your trees. Citrus are heavy nitrogen feeders and so is grass. I agree with John, looks a bit like salt burn, but I also think you need some micronutrients as well. You can apply Grow More Citrus Grower's Blend as a foliar spray or soil drench to really give your trees a micronutrient boost. I haven't tried Bayer Bayfolan Forte, so I'll have to check that product out, John, thanks for the suggestion. We typically see this here in my area in January through February, when we get our cold rains. That causes our micronutrients to be locked out, and washed away, so you may see your citrus, especially the young citrus, get a little chlorotic looking. Make sure your trees are being drip watered, and not being watered by overhead sprinklers. Citrus trees do not like their trunks constantly wet. And for us here in S. Calif, our fertilizing times are March through October, to avoid flushing during times when we might still get a frost, thus damaging that new flush that can occur when you fertilize. Patty S. Here is a link that might be useful: UC Davis: Backyard Orchard - Citrus
...See More
gldno1
Original Author
16 years ago
Kendra I took another picture this morning and I think I can count 22 males in it. We got 7 inches of snow overnight.
The picture is a poor quality so I didn't post it. I think that is the most we have ever had.

Maybe this cheap hen scratch is the attraction.
brit5467
16 years ago
Great pic. Love all the cardinals, TOO !!

Wish I had a pic to show, too !! Woke this morning to "the big snowstorm" and was so surprised. I always open my BR blinds to look out onto my porch and then out to the SheppardÂs hook with the feeders and birdbath out front. Couldn't believe I had doves sitting on the arm of my porch couch and on the table in front of it, too !! I guess they know me so well and were wondering where the feed was that I always throw down for them by the feeders !!?? But to have them that close to my window -- it was amazing !!

So I bundled up and put down some feed but also filled some plant saucers on the porch, along with a dish of hot water (and I boiled some for the birdbath, which froze up quickly again). And I ended up with more cardinals than I've ever seen -- right on my porch !! Not as many as you, but still....it was amazing. Then the juncos came up. I never see them out front. They usually stay in the leaves on the side.

By the time the word got out, I had several cardinals and juncos and doves just eating and hanging out. One dove decided to puff up and just take a nap on the arm of my couch and another on the table. Towards evening, there were 4 doves doing that. I can't describe the feeling of seeing them being so trusting.

I also had a Carolina Wren visit my "porch feeders" as well as a catbird (and the typical sparrows, but not that many, surprisingly). But the multitude of cardinals was what amazed me. And they are our State bird, yet I hardly ever see more than one or two at a time. What a beautiful site. And boy could they all eat. Starlings, sparrows, pigeons, blackbirds, downy woodpeckers, black-capped chickadees, as well as the others I mentioned out at the feeders and on the ground.

Like you said, it was a continual feeding frenzy ALL DAY LONG at the feeders, as well as at the suet feeders and fruit & seed bells that the downy woodpeckers love. Eventually I had to take the suet and bells down to stop the starlings from fighting and taking over. It took a lot of trips outside in that silly weather to keep those feeders filled during the day (and even until dusk). But it was WELL worth it !!!
lazypup
16 years ago
I must be blessed because that is how my feeder station looks every morning.

Here is a photo that is a little humor about the congestion at the feeding station
mboston_gw
16 years ago
That would make a beautiful Christmas card next year.
terrene
16 years ago
Great pics! I love all the birds hanging out in that tree.

Glad that the snowstorms of which you guys speak didn't make it up north to us (Massachusetts).
gymnmore
16 years ago
Wow - really neat picture. Have you thought about entering it in National Wildlife's Photo Contest?
~ Judy

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

GARDENING GUIDES 15 Native Flowers That Feed Native Bees

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

These perennials offer superfood to hundreds of bees and are gorgeous in their own right

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Feed Wildlife With Flowering Currant

Blossoms and berries make this plant irresistible to birds, bees and other critters — and a treat for the eyes too

GARDENING GUIDES Mourning Cloak Butterflies Herald Spring

By Pollination Press LLC

These butterflies feed at tree-sap flows in spring and visit native plant flowers for nectar in early summer

HOLIDAYS How to Care for Your Christmas Tree

By Therese Ciesinski

Keep your tree looking lush until the last ornament is packed away with these tips for watering, using stands and more

GARDENING GUIDES Prunus Virginiana Thrives Under Deciduous Trees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant chokecherry for showy white flowers favored by native bees in spring, and to provide nesting habitat and food for birds

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Add an Apple Tree to Your Edible Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Readily available, beautiful and fragrant, apple trees offer four-season interest along with crisp, juicy fruit

HOLIDAYS 10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Crazy for Fruit Trees

By Marianne Lipanovich

Whether a single citrus or a mini apple orchard, even the smallest landscape space can bear deliriously delicious fruit

Sponsored

More Discussions

ID OWL IN S.E. MICHIGAN z5b

0