‘Red-shafted’ Northern Flicker by J. Omar Hansen by Gillian MartinThe Northern Flicker is the second largest, most widespread and migratory woodpecker in North America (except for Hawaii which has no woodpeckers). Unlike most other woodpeckers, its coloration is suited for its ground foraging habits. An untrained eye would find little to suggest this bird is a woodpecker, and even less … Read More
Hummingbirds: Considerations for tree care providers in western North America
Female Allen’s with fledglings by Peggy Honda. by Gillian MartinBrazen, dazzling and confounding. How else would you describe a hummingbird? Just for fun weigh two pennies in your palm. On average, hummers weigh even less. And this is true. They flap their wings 200 times per minute. How? By investing 30% of their body weight in flight muscles. To supply … Read More
Dead or Alive, Palms can Pose Increased Safety Risks for Birds, Tree care Providers and the Public
Photo by Sandrine Biziaux Scherson By Gillian Martin Palms are nesting and roosting sites for birds and other wildlife. In the western region of the United States, orioles, Cassin’s Kingbirds, starlings, egrets, herons and a variety of small mammals use them regularly. Because of their height and crown configuration, and because skirts of dead fronds may surround the stem, it … Read More