It’s Huckleberry Time!

In my garden, I have a huckleberry bush specifically for the birds.

I keep hoping it will keep them away from my blueberries and raspberries but hope springs eternal.

Looking out my office window I can keep an eye on it and observe the different birds that love the little round red balls that are its fruit.

But, as we know… before the fruit comes the flowers which in turn are pure nectar for the hummingbirds.

It’s an early bloomer and supplies a much-needed boost to the hummingbird’s diet.

The flowers in turn also feed the bees so this bush is a win-win all the way around in the garden.

And… in a pinch, I could make jam or jelly out of it but choose not to and leave it for the birds.

So far this year, the following birds have lunched on the huckleberry bush.

• Robin
• Black-headed grosbeak
• Dark-eyed junco
• House finch
• Spotted towhee

I also see chickadees and nuthatches in it but they appear to be either using it for shelter or eating bugs and caterpillars amongst its branches.

Our huckleberries are bright red when ripe as seen in the robin’s mouth as it launches itself off the bush.

But, you can also find the berries in shades of blue and purple which I never knew until I Googled it.

In doing a little research it appears that the red variety is found along the coast from California to BC.

The blue and black varieties are found further inland in the Pacific Northwest.

No matter what the colour it’s one of the plants that are part of birdscaping our yard.

And… bottom line, the birds love it.

Jigsaw Puzzle

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