Every September, nature rolls out the red carpet in Oklahoma, and the guests of honor come buzzing and chirping from miles around. When food is scarce and flowers fade, bees and birds know exactly which dinner bell to answer.
It’s the classic case of “the early bird catches the worm” — except here, it’s nectar and fruit that keep wings fluttering. And at the center of this seasonal spectacle stands the unsung hero of fall feasts: the Black Gum Tree.
1. Juicy Berries Arrive At Perfect Timing
Black Gum trees produce dark blue-black berries that ripen precisely in September, creating a wildlife buffet when many other food sources are dwindling. The timing couldn’t be better for migrating birds preparing for long journeys south.
These nutritious berries pack a powerful energy punch with their high fat content. For Oklahoma’s birds, they’re like little power bars hanging from branches, providing crucial fuel for migration or winter preparation.
2. Nectar Bonanza For Hungry Honeybees
September marks the final major nectar flow of the year in Oklahoma, and Black Gum trees deliver spectacularly. Beekeepers know these trees as honey-making powerhouses that produce a distinctive, rich amber honey prized for its complex flavor.
Local bees can gather enough nectar from these flowering trees to support their hives through winter. The relationship benefits both species – bees get food while the trees get pollination services.
3. Vibrant Fall Foliage Creates Perfect Hideouts
While most trees haven’t changed color yet, Black Gums start their spectacular show in September with brilliant scarlet leaves. This early transformation provides birds with excellent camouflage from hawks and other predators.
The dense, colorful foliage creates protected perching spots where smaller birds can safely rest between feeding sessions. Many birders spot unusual species hiding among these crimson leaves during fall migration through Oklahoma.
4. Strategic Location Along Migration Routes
Oklahoma sits squarely within the Central Flyway, one of North America’s major bird migration highways. Black Gum trees grow abundantly along waterways and woodlands that follow this route, creating natural rest stops.
Migrating warblers, thrushes, and vireos depend on these strategically positioned trees. For exhausted travelers flying hundreds of miles, finding a Black Gum loaded with berries can mean the difference between successful migration or perilous energy depletion.
5. Unique Branch Structure Welcomes Diverse Species
Black Gum trees develop a distinctive horizontal branching pattern that’s particularly appealing to birds of different sizes. Woodpeckers and nuthatches appreciate the sturdy main branches, while finches and chickadees utilize smaller twigs.
The multi-tiered arrangement minimizes competition between species. Large and small birds can feed simultaneously without territorial disputes, making these trees remarkably democratic dining halls in September when wildlife activity peaks.
6. Weather-Resistant Features Provide Reliable Shelter
September in Oklahoma often brings unpredictable weather, from late summer heat waves to early fall storms. Black Gum trees have evolved remarkably dense wood that resists breaking even in high winds.
Their deep root systems keep them stable during storms, while their thick canopies shed water effectively. Birds instinctively recognize these trees as safe havens when weather turns threatening, clustering in their branches when radar shows approaching fronts.
7. Less Competition From Humans During Harvest Season
While humans eagerly harvest many wild fruits and berries in Oklahoma, Black Gum fruits remain largely ignored by people. Their slightly bitter taste doesn’t appeal to human palates, but birds and insects find them delicious.
This lack of human competition means wildlife can feast undisturbed. Unlike more popular persimmon or blackberry patches that attract human pickers, Black Gum trees offer wildlife exclusive dining experiences throughout September when their fruits reach peak ripeness.