Last month I wrote a post about the blog The Tree Year, which encourages people across the world to blog about a tree that is important to them. I chose to write about my crab apple tree. When I blogged in October about my tree the weather was beautiful and we were basking in an Indian summer. Today is completely different. It really feels like winter is only round the corner. The change in weather means our tree is now a home for bird feeders. We have one feeder filled with a sunflower seed mix and another filled with Nyjer seeds which are particularly tasty to goldfinches.
My Crab Apple Tree in November
I love the tree at this time of year. It becomes this great meeting point for so many birds. Starlings, sparrows, blue tits and great tits, chaffinches and robins. I spotted the first goldfinches of the year yesterday. Occasionally I will catch a glimpse of a wren flitting through the branches. Blackbirds love the tree, mainly because of the crab apples, they don’t seem bothered by the apples’ tartness. The harsh winters of the the last 3 years have meant I have been treated to some unusual visitors to the tree. Bramblings, fieldfares, redstarts, blackcaps and long-tailed tits have all kept me interested whilst I stare out over a snow-covered garden from my seat in the kitchen, clutching my warm cup of tea. I’ll venture outside in the hope I can get close enough to take some good photos but invariably the birds are spooked and fly off. Sometimes I’ll hole up in the shed doorway hoping the birds won’t notice me and will come to the feeders. Sometimes they do but generally I get cold and so I return indoors to watch them through the binoculars. I haven’t got the patience to be a wildlife photographer.
Blue Tit in Crab Apple Tree
The leaves are now starting to change colour and some are starting to fall from the tree but the apples, glowing red, will remain on the tree well into January.
Sparrows coming in for a feed
We had to have a birch tree removed from our garden last year and 2 trees in neighbours’ gardens have been removed this year, so I really appreciate my crab apple, the height and shape it creates, the perch and feeding point for a myriad of birds and the interest it provides in my garden throughout the seasons.
wellywoman 
Beautiful photos of your birds and beautiful tree ! All your crab apples look fantastic, they will certainly keep the birds happy when the weather turns a bit colder.
Do you know what variety your crab apple is – the one I have drops all its fruit fairly quickly so it would be nice to have one that hangs on to it. Mine is a John Downie.
Sorry Elaine. I have no idea. We inherited the tree when we bought the house 4 years ago. I’d love to know. Maybe that can be another thing for my winter list of jobs to do – tracking down the name of my crab apple. If I come up with anything I’ll let you know.
Echoing Elaine above, I like the sound of a tree that will provide glorious colour throughout the end of the year. I hope to plant more fruit trees into our community garden area (at the moment, just paving stones and flat grass) and this sounds ideal. Will keep my eyes and ears peeled for info!
Carolyn and Elaine,
After a bit of digging around on t’internet I think the crab apple might be ‘Evereste’. The photos certainly seem to match and a few sites mention this variety holds onto it’s fruit. Although I can’t be completely certain but ‘Evereste is recommended for small gardens and looks a nice tree anyway. Some sites also mention ‘Red Sentinel’ holds onto it’s fruits, this isn’t my variety but if you’d both like a tree that seems to hold onto it’s fruit these varieties might work for you. There are lots of specialist fruit tree nurseries that I’m sure could advise as well. Hope this helps.
Lovely tree, mine is spindly and all the fruit are long gone. Wonderful to have so many birds visiting.
Your crab apple tree must certainly be attractive to birds, you have had such a variety visit you. It’s a while since I’ve seen any goldfinches in the garden, they’re not a regular visitor so I hope that they do return soon.
A beautiful tree obviously appreciated by feathered visitors. Seems an age since we have had a sparrow visit us 😦 I have recently treated myself to a book called ‘Why Willows Weep’ which I hope to review on my blog soon. One of the stories is entitled ‘ Why Crab Apples Are Sour?’ Whatever the answer is the birds don’t seem to mind.
Lucky you having such a good tree, and lots of birds as well. xx
I’m still not that familiar with crab apple – so your pictures are much appreciated.
Really enjoyed your photos of your crab apples and birds. I can see why it’s your favourite tree; so beautiful.