Day 147: The holes in this tree's bark, looking ever so much like the uniform perforations between postage stamps, are not the product of insect infestation as one might initially assume. Observation over a period of time would reveal the culprit to be a Red-Breasted Sapsucker, a member of the woodpecker family. Often mistaken by novice birders as a "red-headed woodpecker," Sapsucker does indeed have a red head, with the colouration extending only a short way down the breast in the manner of a cowl. Contrary to the popular belief which gave rise to the birds' common name, Sapsuckers' primary diet consists of the insects which are attracted to the sap oozing from drilled trees. The birds drill, fly off, and return later to harvest the bugs which have been attracted to the sweet sap. Sapsucker holes are shallow, but when drilled into small-diameter limbs and trunks may result in injury and breakage of the affected tree. Not a problem here! This non-native English walnut is slated for removal from an area under ecological restoration to native habitat.
No comments:
Post a Comment