Subject: -Holly Trees (DEGRADE) bird habitat
Date: Feb 24 15:43:22 2004
From: Hilary - habarnes at earthlink.net


Hummingbirds love Mahonias, too- check out the territorial nectar-feeding action action in the Winter Garden at the Washington Arboretum.

This is also a good place to confirm species ID- and there are often helpful Master Gardeners in the visitor center.

We have planted a Mahonia "Charity" in our yard recently, and will be ordering some "Arthur Menzies" from Heronswood, for early fragrant bloom, and in hopes that more hummers will put us on their "places to go, things to do" list.

Hilary Barnes
Bellevue, WA
habarnes at earthlink.net
----- Original Message -----
From: Kelly Cassidy
To: tweeters
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: -Holly Trees (DEGRADE) bird habitat


I'd recommend killing the Holly, especially if it's a female (if it has berries it's a female).

Before you kill the holly, be sure it isn't Oregon Grape (genus Mahonia). Mahonia, a native, has prickly, holly-like leaves. If you don't know the difference, bring a sample to a nursery. Most nurseries sell both so you can compare them. Or, do an internet search for photos. For a web search, the scientific name of holly is Ilex aquifolium.

My Song Sparrows love the cover of Mahonia patches. Of course, they also like any other prickly or dense shrub.

Kelly Cassidy