A BIRD CATCHER TREE??

June 25, 2010

It sounds like science fiction, but it’s true. Birdcatcher trees exist in New Zealand, often in suburban backyards, and they’re HORRIBLE. Also called the Parapara Berry Tree (pisonia brunoniana), the tree secretes a super-sticky sap that catches birds. It’s like superglue, and as soon as the bird touches it, they’re stuck. The bird hangs there and starves, leaving skeletons throughout the branches. This poor thin owl was brought in yesterday, wrapped in a cocoon of debris, sticks and seedpods. We covered her in baby powder and worked through feather by feather to remove the deadly sap. It’s stressful for the bird, and also for us!! But happily this particular bird was found in time, and will fully recover. If you live in New Zealand, please google for photos of this tree, and watch out for it. If you see it, educate your neighbour and ask if you can cut it down for them. And tell your local garden centres to STOP SELLING IT as an ornamental garden plant!! Thanks.