by Betty Struckhoff
Ilex decidua
Yesterday morning I was stretching in my favorite spot at my gym, next to a second story window overlooking some Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua). A mockingbird was nestled in the branches full of fresh new leaves. Finally she poked her head up and opened her mouth like a baby bird. A male came and nuzzled her, then flitted among the branches and came back with one of last year’s berries still on the bush and fed her. He repeated this another time and then flew across the street to perch in a tree.
What a delightful vignette of spring! Do you suppose the aged berries are like fine wine?
I have often wondered about the “left over” berries!