Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

Quentin noticed our maple trees were all wet at the base. We found these perfect, shallow holes around the tree. The city forester came over to check it out and said it was the work of a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. He said he doesn't like to see the holes go all around the tree this way. There are a few spots where there is a gap and hopefully enough sap will get through this year.















When we were studying Maple Syrup we read about what happened to the trees that just had an ax slash to get the syrup. They didn't last long. The forester agreed and said that one of our trees may not make it. We are praying it will.

Upon further reading we discovered that the sapsucker is usually a good environmentalist and takes a little sap from many trees. Not this one I guess. Next year in the early spring we will have to hang something shiny and noisy from our trees to keep them away.