An Apple A Day

As we did last year, we hung some juicy apples in a barren apple tree that sits at the corner of the corridor (a 200 foot long lane between two sections of new growth scrub and mature trees) and the alley (which is a mowed area which sits next to what was once our herding arenas and is now quite over grown with tall weeds.) The apple tree seems to be a stopping point for birds moving through the open spaces of the corridor and alley, so it’s a good spot to sit and wait for avian visitors, especially during migration.

After a couple of days during which, in my opinion, the birds stay back and observe the new situation for potential threats, we captured a few takers on a trail cam. A Tufted Titmouse and three female (or young male) Rose-breasted Grosbeaks visited the tree and checked out the fruit, but only briefly.

The following day I endured the 15 mph winds and much cooler weather to wait for activity. It turned out to be well worth my time. A juvenile male (in transitional plumage) arrived and took his time to nosh on the sweet treat.

It made me happy, especially when the sun came out and illuminated the bird’s beauty.