(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Daily Bucket, Open Thread - Red-cockaded Woodpecker part 2. [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.', 'Backgroundurl Avatar_Large', 'Nickname', 'Joined', 'Created_At', 'Story Count', 'N_Stories', 'Comment Count', 'N_Comments', 'Popular Tags'] Date: 2023-02-14 Great Egret (left) and Eastern Cattle Egret, non-breeding plumage, (right) Don’t be confused with the title photo. I took the shot on my way to locate the woodpeckers. The Cattle Egret was closer to the road by fifteen feet. That should quantify the size awkwardness (as Cattle Egret are so much smaller than the Great Egret). I also went with the green eye shadow of the Great egret (easy enough) verses the red eyes (no mascara) , shorter yellow bill and compact body shape. THE DAILY BUCKET IS A NATURE REFUGE. WE AMICABLY DISCUSS ANIMALS, WEATHER, CLIMATE, SOIL, PLANTS, WATERS AND NOTE LIFE’S PATTERNS. WE INVITE YOU TO NOTE WHAT YOU ARE SEEING AROUND YOU IN YOUR OWN PART OF THE WORLD, AND TO SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURPOSE AND HISTORY OF THE DAILY BUCKET FEATURE, CHECK OUT THIS DIARY: DAILY BUCKET PHENOLOGY: 11 YEARS OF RECORDING EARTH'S VITAL SIGNS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS As I was driving into the refuge, I met a crew from the US. Forest Service. They were tasked with cleaning debris from around woodpecker nest trees. They told me that hand raking the needles and small vines, keep the bases clear of fuel in case a fire ( control burn or lightening) gets too hot on the nesting trees. They also directed me to the nearest “control nest site”. I took this photo of the markings that give the specific information (location, population, banded or not, etc.) of that set of birds. Markers used by US. Forest Service, Audubon Society, University study groups, etc. This site had three trees with active nests. The trees were banded with a strip of sheet aluminum. The use of netting (to prevent predators from climbing to raid the nests) had been replaced with metal. Chicks had been discovered trapped in the netting and the change of barrier was made. The metal is three feet off the ground and three feet tall, circling the tree completely. Side note: these trees are approximately 24 inches in diameter where the metal is located. A new band of metal for a newly discovered nest tree. The nest hole of this tree has the bark chipped away (down to the cambium layer) to create a scar that oozes lots of sap. The sap deters any predators (mostly rat and gopher snakes) from gaining access to the eggs or chicks. Only the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers create a nest like this. The diet of the Red-cockaded works well with the damage it causes the tree. Insects attracted to the the sap are easy to obtain. Fruits and nuts of plants associated with Pine forests are also on the diet. I pointed out in Part 1 of this series that some dead trees are always found near nest trees. Here is an example. Former nest tree showing holes that once housed chicks These “snags” are used as roost for members of the enlarged family (not raising chicks) as well as a ready source of insects for meals. I did not get a single photo of a Woodpecker. I did see a group of three adults flitting through the woods while giving their particular high pitched calls. That was good enough to satisfy my need to collect this endangered bird to my list. I want to thank the crew of the US Forest Service for letting me explore the area. The Noxubee Forest is usually closed (certain areas) from October to May except under specific conditions. Animal or plant research is allowed during those months (with prior notification and proper forms submitted). If I want to get photos, I will have to wait until chicks are hatched and the adults are feeding (unless I join a certified research group). I will bide my time for an independent study. Reminder: This is an Open Thread. I’ll return (after work) to join you and your observations. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/14/2152614/-Daily-Bucket-Open-Thread-Red-cockaded-Woodpecker-part-2 Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/