Repost from @thebirdrescuecenter You have no doubt seen a series of holes drilled into a tree like the ones in this photograph, but often the bird that made them is no longer present. Here in Sonoma County, these holes are made by the Red-breasted sapsucker. Unlike other woodpeckers who are foraging for insects and grubs, sapsuckers are after sap and dig small “sap wells “ in the bark of trees. Recent studies indicate that the Rufous hummingbird will also use these sap wells for its own nourishment (and symbiosis is exciting!). While this activity rarely kills the tree, it can be harmful and may weaken it. To deter woodpeckers of all kinds (especially those who like your house as a grainery, like the Acorn woodpecker), the recommendations all seem to include pie tins and foil that flash, or things that move in trees and houses. If a tree is damaged by sapsuckers and needs a break, burlap tied over the area can help. Photo credit Greg Gillson. #thebirdrescuecenter #birdsofprey #ambassadorbirds #wildliferescue #sonomaliving #sonomacounty #saveourcenter #wildbirdsofsonomacounty #raptorsofinstagram #rescuebirds #sonomacountywildlife #birdsofsonomacounty #wildbirds #songbirds #birdsofinstagram #woodpecker #woodpeckers https://www.instagram.com/p/CALQWjHgmKh/?igshid=1q9l2qn34tbdg
