Tendrils

Juniper Berries

 

Best buds at the old watering hole. I often see Cedar Waxwings and American Robins hanging out together.
Best buds at the old watering hole. I often see Cedar Waxwings and American Robins hanging out together

 

A pioneer tree or bush, depending on your thoughts, and its growing conditions, Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginiana, is often one of the first to move into a field that has been cleared.

Here they are, hanging out again. This time, they're at the "Juniper Berry Cafeteria."
Here they are, hanging out again. This time, they’re at the “Juniper Berry Cafeteria.”

 

Eastern Red Cedars are actually Junipers. They play an important role in the lives of a long list of insects, birds and mammals.  From the Juniper Hairstreak, to the Northern Bobwhite, to the White-tailed Deer, these trees provide both food and shelter.

Another customer at the "Juniper Berry Cafeteria," a Yellow-shafted Flicker.
Another customer at the “Juniper Berry Cafeteria,” a Yellow-shafted Flicker.

 

The most obvious benefit I see on my hikes, is the berry, or the seed cone, of the Eastern Red Cedar. A berry the color of a blueberry, with a similar white bloom, it is a favorite in my bird world. Some of these pictures were taken right after a snow storm in January. The Cedar trees were alive with birds looking for dinner.

Not a sign of spring.
Not a sign of spring.

 

The berries bring a plethora of birds to the Cedar trees here on the mountain, including the Robin. Thought by many to be a sign of spring, the Robin is often here during the winter, checking out what berries are still around. They move in response to food supply and I guess my mountain usually has a good provision for them.

Do they have tastes similar to ours?
American Robins, ready to empty the “Cafeteria” of its berries.

 

Not only do animals in the wild use the Juniper Berry, but the berry is also used by humans, for culinary purposes and to flavor gin and beer. I think I’ll leave the berries that I see for the birds!

Brenda Clements Jones

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2 responses to “Juniper Berries”

  1. What great shots of the Juniper cafeteria! I so enjoy watching birds eat berries. I have a very young Cedar on my small lot but if it attracts even one Cedar Waxwing it will be worth it! I remember when I spied some Robins here in a nearby park in the Winter and contacted Cornell – that’s when I learned that Robins do overwinter if there is enough food/berries. I’m watching for those Red-winged Blackbirds each Spring now – last year they arrived here on March 10 just five days away!

  2. I should have made a note for myself to recall the date I saw the waxwings and robins cleaning the dried “fruit” off my flowering pear trees (not real pears) here in northern AR.

    It was really fun watching them, but they left as soon as their feast was over. Robins were with them, but I think the robins stayed, at least some of them.

    Love your posts, keep them coming. I need LOTS of help!