Look Out For The Birdie

As you can see, a tree's life is not very pleasant. From birds to beavers and then throw in the dreaded bugs and weevils not to mention all of the weather related issues, they have a tough life. And the only real defense is camouflage, try to look like every other tree in the forest and try not to bring any unwanted attention to yourself.
Well here is one tree that could not escape the pileated woodpecker. I can't imagine that it was looking for food. I think the woodpecker just had a mean streak in it and took it out on this poor unsuspecting tree.
After seeing this tree in the woods, I am glad I am not a tree.
Spring is getting closer as the temperature is starting to warm up a little. It is now time to make maple syrup in Wisconsin. Some people have the buckets on the trees and the weather forecast is going to be perfect for the sap to run for the next week or hopefully longer. I myself would like to participate in the annual spring ritual, but it takes time. That is time at home each night and on the weekends. Maybe someday I will be home for a couple of weeks so I can tap some trees.
Oh, there we are again back to abusing trees. Now we have to add another unpleasant element to the life of a tree - draining the life sap out of the tree. It isn't enough that the tree has to look out for all of the above mentioned methods of attack, now it has to look out for the dreaded sap season. Boy, I'm really glad the I am not a tree.