Every spring, I’m tempted to cut down the scruffy looking overgrowth of a non-native invasive shrub – and then either a blackbird, dunnock, robin, a pair of great, blue or coat-tits, or a family of sparrows will get my attention as they rest under cover waiting for their turn on the birdfeeder.
It’s already part of the plan to leave non-native species in place if they serve a purpose and can’t quickly be replaced by a native alternative. I’ve planted a native holly tree at the base of the apple tree- the next nearest place to the bird feeders but it’s still young and small and is not yet providing enough shelter for birds.
At this time the ‘winter canopy’ is the closest shelter to the birdfeeders where they can’t be seen by sparrowhawks cruising above, and they are protected from the elements. Of course during the winter is also when they are most dependent on the birdfeeders.
In spring when the leaves come on the lilac tree, it can’t be seen anyway. So I’m learning to live with it because the winter canopy is a very important shelter for the health and safety of the smaller birds!
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