MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • March 21, 2021
Q: Despite signs of aging, our tree is still beautiful and should be preserved as long as possible. The question we have is: Are the woodpeckers helping save the tree or contributing to its demise? A: it is a fun question to ponder if any of the actions from a pair of pileated woodpeckers could help save the tree that they are feeding on. Since they are removing insects that are decomposers, they may be helping a tree stand a bit longer. Leaving the tree will keep feeding the woodpeckers and bringing you the joy from their visit. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox