Birds and Berries Update

The little Red-bellied Woodpecker is getting some red coloring on the head. Mom and Dad are still feeding the little one, who is getting bigger and bigger. No trips to the feeder yet.




This little Carolina Chickadee looks a bit weary. It's been a summer filled with laying eggs, protecting the nest, feeding, and fledging. And without any relief, the process starts over again.

As for the blackberries. They are well on their way to becoming my cobbler. It won't be long now.

The summer days are simply flying by. So many birds and so much nature to watch and so little time. I do hope all of you are enjoying the summer and storing up memories to take you through the winter.

Blackberry Winter

NOTE: This post is not about your personal digital assistant. It's about a plant that is so valuable and useful your PDA was name for it.


Spring in the mountains brings varied weather; some days are quite warm, while others are much cooler. At this time of year we have a name for the chilly days. You see, the blackberries are blooming. And chilly days this time of year are known as "Blackberry Winter." Blackberries grow abundantly in the NC mountains and can be found along the roadside, creek banks, and fields.


The blackberry blossom is made up of five petals. Each blossom contains a green center which will ripen and form a blackberry.

Blackberries are ancient plants that have many medicinal uses. The berries are rich in Vitamins E and C, beneficial anti-oxidants and fiber. For centuries, blackberry tea has been used to treat diarrhea. A soothing solution made by boiling the leaves is used to treat boils and minor burns on the skin.

Blackberries are a food source for many birds and animals, including humans.

In about two months, these blossoms will be delicious blackberries, ready for picking and eating. There is hardly a rural child in the mountains who hasn't been blackberry pickin'. The wonderful jams, jellies and pies are worth the scratches from the thorns, the stinkbugs, the heat, and other hazards of picking blackberries. Adults may enjoy blackberry wine or brandy.

As for me; I'll have another helping of that blackberry cobbler, please.