Staghorn Sumac

The birds seem to prefer the berries from the top of the clusters.  It may be because the birds perch on the cluster as they eat.

I was cutting Staghorn Sumac today.  It is one of the last things I cut in the winter.  The returning Robins and Bluebirds eat the berries as they migrate north. The fresh berries are not very palatable, consequently they stay on the bushes all winter long.

I orient the tops so the birds can finish off the berries.

Can you "ear" me now?

Staghorn Sumac is also a big favorite of the bunny rabbits.  Their nibbling scars the bark and that results in unique grain patterns in the cut stumps.