In Praise of Dead Trees

Lovely friendly Willow Flycatcher!  I call him Will!

Every morning on my way to work, at least twice a week, I bird a country byline that is bound by a woodlot on one side, a field of soybeans on the other and a gravel pit with heavy construction as well.  It is extremely birdy in all seasons and one of the best places to just sit and watch is this dead tree.  It is a morning perch for several species, but there is always this lovely male Willow Flycatcher Empidonax taillii serenading me with its unique sneezy fitz-bew.  He was even there the day I went when it was raining.  Most birds take shelter in the rain, but he was out there letting everyone know of his presence! I know I will miss him dearly when he leaves for his wintering grounds, not too far off in the future. The tree towers over a wet willow thicket and is multi-branched.

  

I have walked this kilometre long country road, but this area seems to be the best for viewing birds.  It is a highlight of my summer  to visit and sit in my car and watch this tree.  

One day there was the usual Willow Flycatcher, then a Northern Flicker came by, as well as a Brown Thrasher ! 1st time I've seen one in this area.  That same morning a resident Green Heron was seen in the tree!  It's bulky body seemed strange on the thin branches.  It flew away before I got a chance to photograph it.

Local breeding Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus

 

Lovely thrashy Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum (of course branch at eyeline)

Juvenile American Robin Turdus migratorius

Ever present Indigo Buntings Passerine cyanea breed here.

Last fall there was a flurry of wood warblers!  I can't wait to observe and photograph what comes this fall!

Blackpoll Warblers  Setophaga striata last November on their way to warmer climes.

Of course there are the more common birds that commune there as well.  This group of starlings took over one morning, but the Flycatcher came down into the willows to sing.

European Starlings Sturnus vulgaria and juvies starting to flock.

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula

And of course there is always a plethora of American Goldfinch Spinus tristis about!

I don't condone leaving dead and diseased trees, just be aware if you feel that you have to remove a dead tree, be aware of its benefits to the wildlife! Whether it be to rest during migration, feed their young, escape a predator or to simply view and announce their territory, birds depend on them.  Dead trees are a very valuable part of the ecosystem!

Ever present Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia with its beautiful song!