Everyone Needs Their Greens

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I guess in this case, certain critters need their pinks and yellows.

This female House Finch, Haemorhous mexicanus, eschewing the protein offerings of sunflower and safflower feeders, opted for some fresh veggies in the form of the flower parts of Red Yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora.

I observed her for quite a while as she contentedly fed at the yucca blooms. She snitched bits of petals as she worked her way along the stem, her weight (such that it is) on the stem causing movement typically seen only by strong winds.

Birds and mammals often dine on flowers and foliage, along with insects and plant fruits. After all, a diet with variety is healthy, and who doesn’t like diversity in their meals?

12 thoughts on “Everyone Needs Their Greens”

  6. I remember how surprised I was when I noticed birds nibbling on leaf buds for the first time. I can’t remember seeing one eating flowers, though. Maybe I thought they were interested in the insects when they actually were noshing on the petals! Of course, squirrels love fresh dandelion greens, and cats love grass, so why not?

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    • I thought about the possibility of the bird nipping off insects, but that plant, especially the little blooms, really doesn’t ever have insects except for visiting native/honey bees. I suppose there might have been ants on the flowers, though. I still think it was the salad aspect that attracted the finch; maybe she was modeling a good diet for her offspring. 🙂

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