Eastern red cedar is highly beneficial for birds and other wildlife. Male trees release pollen March through May. Female trees produce berry-like, waxy, blue cones in fall. The "berries" are eaten by many birds, such as cedar waxwings, quail, turkeys, grackles, and blue jays, as well as by bears, foxes, chipmunks and others. Dense, evergreen foliage is also valuable to wildlife for shelter, roosting, and nesting. The foliage is eaten by a surprising number of insects, which provide another source of nutrition for birds.