What tree is feeding these birds in winter? - Ask Extension
Hi, Last week there were dozens of birds (mostly grackles, I think) eating something off the ice in my front yard. Apparently the storm knocked a bunc...
Knowledgebase
What tree is feeding these birds in winter? #924189
Asked February 03, 2026, 4:04 PM EST
Hi, Last week there were dozens of birds (mostly grackles, I think) eating something off the ice in my front yard. Apparently the storm knocked a bunch of seed pods down out of this tree (in photo) onto the ice. What tree is this and does this happen often -- that birds have a bit of a feast after an very cold blast? Thank you!
St. Mary's County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't see enough detail in the first two photos, but the empty seed pod on the ground belongs to American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), a fairly common native shade tree. Birds eat a variety of items during winter, including seeds from trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and grasses, plus insects or other invertebrates that are either active during mild temps or sheltering under bark or other locations.
Miri
Miri
