By this time of year we have finished harvesting the fruit of the hachiya persimmon tree in our front yard. All the leaves have fallen, so the bright orange fruit make a striking holiday display. Besides we like to leave a portion of the harvest for the birds. Birds of several species seem to enjoy the sweet inner pulp, mockingbirds and sparrows especially.
Over the years I have noticed a curious thing: the birds never work on more than one fruit at a time. A bird will make an initial hole in the persimmon's skin, exposing the inner pulp and over the next couple of days the birds will consume the pulp, gradually expanding the hole as the need dictates. Only one bird will eat the fruit at any given time, but I have often noticed several birds waiting their turn. When only the translucent skin from the backside of the fruit remains the birds will select a new fruit and begin again.
Working on one fruit at a time maximizes the period when the fruit is available. If a persimmon fruit remains on the tree and remains untouched it will not readily spoil. If the birds were to open many fruit at once, some would spoil before they could be fully consumed. By consuming them one at a time, the fruit are available longer.
Is it possible that this is what is going on? Are the birds cooperating to extend the harvest season? If so, what is the mechanism?
- J
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