Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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.

7 comments:

  1. That's a big list of birds for a single apple tree, and fabulous pictures, espececially of the bumblebees!

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  2. Hello,

    The apple blossoms are beautiful. Great variety of birds, loved the photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend! Take care and stay safe!

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  3. How interesting about the apple tree. I think all we ever planted were dwarf fruit trees but we've planted quite and few and then moved away! Love all the birds you've seen...some so colorful! But I'm really impressed with the bumblebee! What amazing photos of this little guy! Have a good weekend!

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  4. So many colourful birds. The Oriole is fantastic.

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  5. Hello. Great photos. There are so many different birds in your apple tree. Wonderful. Stay safe.

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  6. Gorgeous photos, amazing that some are taken through windows!
    There is so much bird song, but hard to see the birds as the fly swiftly from the tops of conifers. Your photos are a joy to see.

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Woody