Woodpigeons in the Ivy (1 Viewer)

[cjay]

Has anyone else noticed flocks of Woodpigeons feeding on Ivy berries this week. I always see this on the way home from work around late January & wondered why?

Does anyone know?

CJ

 

[Paul 42]

A landscape gardener writes: because the berrys are ripe at this time of the year?

 

[cjay]

Are they not poisionous though?

 

[paula]

I see woodpigeons in the ivy a lot of the winter months. Also blackbirds and thrushes.
Ivy is a very wonderful plant to sustain all kind of creatures. The bees love the nectar of the very late in the season flowers.
Many birds and creatures shelter in its dense leafcover and the berries are loved by many birds. Just when there is nothing much else to eat........there are ivy berries galore.
You can not have too much ivy around and no.....it does not hurt the tree.

 

[T0ny]

Ivy berries do not appear to be poisonous to birds, and I've seen wintering Blackcaps feeding in ivy, presumably on the berries (unless someone else knows different ?). Apparently ivy berries are also good for coarse fishing, as bait.

Tony