At least 30 years ago my husband and I watched as a Pileated Woodpecker excavated bark and wood chips from a black cherry tree on the edge of our property. When he was finished there was a large pile of debris at the base of the tree. We thought the tree would die but each year it continues to bloom and bear fruit. Apparently the woodpecker did it a favor by consuming insects and larva that otherwise might have killed it.
Carol,
I think you may be absolutely right - the Pileated Woodpecker got after the beetles that would harm the tree. Unfortunately for us, our cherry tree was in serious decline before the woodpecker started on it and it now has about 8 practice holes in it - one hole is big enough for even a Pileated to nest in. And it is right at eye level. I have wondered if some of the smaller birds roost in it during our cold winter nights - several would fit in there and be all snug. Interestingly, it is on the south side of the tree so protected from the northern winds. Maybe the Pileated owed the chickadees, titmice, downys, and nuthatches - birds who could use it - a favor??? Linda
At least 30 years ago my husband and I watched as a Pileated Woodpecker excavated bark and wood chips from a black cherry tree on the edge of our property. When he was finished there was a large pile of debris at the base of the tree. We thought the tree would die but each year it continues to bloom and bear fruit. Apparently the woodpecker did it a favor by consuming insects and larva that otherwise might have killed it.
Carol,
I think you may be absolutely right - the Pileated Woodpecker got after the beetles that would harm the tree. Unfortunately for us, our cherry tree was in serious decline before the woodpecker started on it and it now has about 8 practice holes in it - one hole is big enough for even a Pileated to nest in. And it is right at eye level. I have wondered if some of the smaller birds roost in it during our cold winter nights - several would fit in there and be all snug. Interestingly, it is on the south side of the tree so protected from the northern winds. Maybe the Pileated owed the chickadees, titmice, downys, and nuthatches - birds who could use it - a favor??? Linda
