Best berries for birds?

[Roger B.]

I want to plant a few more berry-bearing shrubs to provide winter food for thrushes, waxwings, etc.

I don't have a lot of space, so can anyone suggest any fairly compact species/cultivars?

Also, does anyone know which varieties of cotoneaster are most popular with the birds? Some seem to be stripped of their berries very quickly, whilst others are ignored.

[Deb London]

I have a Cotoneaster in my garden that was 'murdered' yesterday by FOUR great fat Woodies. It was fascinating to watch them. I'll dig out the details if I can. If not, next time I'm in the garden and there is some light, I'll take a shot.

[Deb London]

It was Cotoneaster franchetti.
Height approx. 7', spread approx. 6 ' in 10 years. The instructions say to plant in a sunny spot, but it isn't in one and it is doing very well indeed.

The birds haven't started on the Pyracantha just yet. Maybe the Cotoneaster berries are tastier. Or maybe the branches, which seem to form many horizontal perches, are just a lot more appealing.

[Roger B.]

Thanks Deb.

[Meta menardi]

Some of the Cotoneaster species are listed as invasive,

http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/...nd_the_law.pdf

[Cowgirl]

After posting a similar query last year I was recommended viburnum tinus, an evergreen shrub that flowers from oct onwards (I think you can get a dwarf version as well if you dont have a large area). It was duly planted & is starting to flower now, the berries will be good for later on in the winter. It's pretty easy to hold of from garden centres.

[Kayleigh]

Cotoneaster dammeri gets lots of fieldfare, redwings blackbirds thrush and sparrows...
I have another one I dont know what it is..
The pyracantha firethorn gets blackbirds thrush and sparrows..

[Roger B.]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Some of the Cotoneaster species are listed as invasive,

http://www.plantlife.org.uk/uploads/...nd_the_law.pdf

Thanks for the link - it's very useful.

[Roger B.]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

Cotoneaster dammeri gets lots of fieldfare, redwings blackbirds thrush and sparrows...
I have another one I dont know what it is..
The pyracantha firethorn gets blackbirds thrush and sparrows..

Thanks. I think I know that variety. Are its flowers very popular with bees?

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Roger B.

Thanks. I think I know that variety. Are its flowers very popular with bees?

Yes and wasps that's the one, but this tree one is also a magnet for the birds.

Cotoneaster 'Cornubia' (Cotoneaster Tree) Buy Cotoneaster Trees Online