good neighbors, as Robert Frost pointed out, but they also make good places to plant wind rows of trees and shrubs. At least that is what the birds think.

Birds often rest on fences, especially on fence poles. They often make good vantage points from which to scope out the neighborhood and be alert for danger at the same time.

While sitting there birds may leave little presents behind and these little presents often contain seeds. The seeds in turn often grow into new shrubs and trees.

Those who study the history and sociology of landscapes say that when they find a straight line of trees they can usually surmise that a fence was once there for trees don’t grow in straight lines unless they are planted that way.

So here’s to the birds and their spreading of the tree seeds!