Every year we put up a Birding tree on the deck just outside Tarragon and decorate it with colorful ornaments that attract all kinds of birds. The majority of the ornaments are made by sourcing natural materials from our property and serve a dual purpose of both beautifying the Inn and Tarragon for the holidays as well as attracting the gorgeous array of bird species that nest on the property throughout the winter.
This year, we are making a new ornament out of Goldenrod stalks that have bulbous growths in the stems. This growth is caused by a Gall Fly which burrows into the stem to lay eggs causing the plant to grow around the newly formed cavity. Woodpeckers love to drill into the bulbs and eat the larvae.
All you need to make these interesting ornaments is;
- peanut butter
- wild bird seed
- goldenrod stalks
- metallic ribbon
Cut the goldenrod stalks to about 6 inches, then tie a loop of ribbon at one end to hang it by. Use a paintbrush to “paint” the peanut butter onto the surface, then coat the peanut butter with birdseed.
Our busy staff is also making ornaments out of Milkweed Seed pods.
For these, you will need;
- milkweed seed pods
- suet
- baler’s twine
Pull all of the seeds out of the seed pod. Attach baler’s twine to the top to form a loop for hanging the ornament. Fill the empty seed pod with suet.
Birds love these treats; they go very fast so have a few extra on standby to replenish as needed. And don’t forget to visit the Tarragon deck this week if you’re staying at the Inn. It’s a great opportunity to see the many different birds that call the Inn at Honey Run home.