In the Apple Tree

In front of the house is an apple tree that we planted 45 years ago; it’s a full sized McIntosh, our favorite apple variety. Nowadays it’s hard to get full sized trees of any variety, commercial growers want smaller trees whose fruits can be picked from the ground. McIntosh trees don’t do well in warm climates and the fruit requires exacting conditions to keep well. But it’s a favorite in the northeast and Canada (where it’s the national apple) – and it’s our favorite variety: for eating, apple sauce, apple pies and apple crisp, you may have your own favorite.

Our tree is also a favorite with many wildlife species that spend time near the house – and not just for the apples it bears in early fall, but for the insects it attracts in the spring and summer and the pollen and nectar in the flowers. Although we like our Mac's fruit, for wildlife any variety of apple tree will do.

For a few hours on a couple of days this spring I’ve occupied a chair with a view out the front window and taken camera in hand when various species appeared in the tree. Many of the photographs were taken through the two panes of glass in the insulated window so they leave something to be desired – but they do show how valuable apple trees are to wildlife. Here are some of the photos –
 

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Oriole - immature male

Yellow Warbler

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Worm-eating Warbler

Tufted Titmouse

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Indigo Bunting

American Goldfinch

Unidentified Bee

Nashville Warbler

Catbird

Black-capped Chickadee

Red-eyed Vireo

If you ever have the opportunity, consider planting an apple tree.