Dryobates nuttallii - Fort Mason, San Francisco
Tags: bay area fort mason san francisco sf bay area nuttall's woodpecker nutall's woodpecker Dryobates nuttallii
Melanerpes formicivorus on utility pole granary
[Acorn Woodpecker image gallery: www.ingridtaylar.com/portfolio-items/acorn-woodpeckers/ ]
This is a common sight wherever you find Acorn Woodpeckers and utility poles stuffed full with acorns. I love coming upon these birds with their unmistakeable chatter across the oak canopy. In natural settings, woodpeckers will use dead trees and snags as granaries or nesting spots, which is an important reason to preserve dead trees for the many species that use them. We humans tend to clear away things that serve no purpose for (like dead trees or fallen leaves), without consideration for the life cycles they help feed and shelter. According to the Cavity Conservation Initiative, each dead tree is a nursery for more than eighty birds in North America. including 10 species of owls, 7 ducks, 2 falcons, all 21 woodpeckers, and about 40 songbirds. If you have to remove a dead tree, they suggest taking these steps first to protect any birds who might be using the space:1. Look for areas of decay near cankers, at broken tree tops, near branch breaks, and other points of injury, as well as openings created by stress cracks, and small round excavated holes made by woodpeckers.2. Move away to a safe distance and observe the behavior of birds around you.3. Watch for birds nervously moving toward or away from you or vocalizing in alarm.4. Look for a bird carrying insects in its bill.5. Listen for the incessant chirping of baby birds from within the dead tree.6. As a last resort, bang on the tree in multiple locations where cavities exist to see if a bird flushes from inside the tree." rel="noreferrer nofollow">
Tags: Melanerpes formicivorus acorn woodpecker woodpeckers pole granary acorns high key california Danville Bay Area ethical ethicalwildlifephotography ethicalbirdphotography
Acorn Woodpecker settling into a tree cavity for the evening.
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Part of a power-pole granary, fully stocked by resident Acorn Woodpeckers. The entire pole is full, as are the other available spaces like these.
[Acorn Woodpecker image gallery: www.ingridtaylar.com/portfolio-items/acorn-woodpeckers/]
Tags: acorn woodpecker acorn woodpecker granary power pole utility utility pole acorns high voltage california northern california winter bird wildlife woodpeckers
Tags: acorn woodpecker california bird acorn woodpecker northern california bay area granary wildlife
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