We have a pear tree that sits at the corner of our elevated deck on which and from which I feed the birds. This tree is often the staging area for the various birds before forays to the feeding stations. In the case of titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches, they often use it for perching while opening sunflower seeds they have taken from deck. It also provides additional space for perching while contemplating whether to rest, feed, or fly. And It's certainly been an asset to my birding by providing abundant perches for casual observation of whatever decides to linger. Just now (10:45 AM, Feb. 18) I saw 18 purple finches and about 30 pine siskins perched throughout. What a treat! Todd Eastin from 3,100' on Marriage Ground Ridge Shady Valley (Johnson Co.), TN