Post by: Stevem on January 23, 2009, 06:29:01 PM
Last time I had this happen it was an aspen and it fell on the neighbors car in a light wind storm.
The fir would hit my house, don't want that.
Post by: Stephen Wiley on January 23, 2009, 08:25:12 PM
Flickers, are the only species of woodpeckers that feed on the ground near tree trunks. They tend to catch and eat any ground bugs or insects that take flight in front of their food search.
Trees / Shrubs attract a lot of bugs which are either using the tree for shelter or feeding upon it. The birds will go after grubs within the lower trunk or roots.
Observe how much attention they are paying to the lower bole (trunk) if they are attacking the bark. This would be cause for concern of bark / boring beetles.
Now for the obvious question? Are you sure they are 'flickers' and not sap suckers?
Post by: Stevem on January 24, 2009, 01:56:56 AM
Flicker for sure and maybe a pilated wood pecker too, bigger than the flicker.
I'll check and see how much pecking in the bark and bole there is.
Post by: Stephen Wiley on January 24, 2009, 10:49:21 AM
Of course your living in an area that is known to be inundated with disease and pests. It ought to keep them winged critters around for years. :laugh: :laugh:
Post by: Stevem on January 29, 2009, 10:06:03 PM
I like having the birds (well maybe not the sap sucker). I just don't want to have a bait station with those trees close enough to land on the shop or house
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on January 30, 2009, 12:15:49 AM
Post by: Kirk Allen on January 30, 2009, 07:59:15 AM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on January 30, 2009, 10:23:37 AM
caused by your neighborhood association of the FFF (feathered flicker friends) ;D
The birds know it, now you know it.............the $64 question is why are the insects there. Now if you are concerned about tree failure, it is time to do a root /tree exam to discover the actual problem to make an informed decision. I just happen to know someone (who trys to put food on the table) that can help for a small fee :D
Post by: Stevem on January 31, 2009, 09:30:21 AM
Post by: Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner" on February 01, 2009, 08:39:18 PM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 01, 2009, 09:17:01 PM
Free lunch and a Coe sounds good. Let me know two hours before you have Frank come over.
I'll trade Frank the lunch/coe for a full loaded F-450 ;D :laugh:
Post by: Murf on February 02, 2009, 01:01:46 PM
:laugh:
Post by: Kirk Allen on February 02, 2009, 02:40:57 PM
Post by: Stevem on February 03, 2009, 12:41:18 AM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 03, 2009, 01:19:07 AM
Elk backstrap.....baked potato......Huckleberry Pie ;D
Post by: Stevem on February 03, 2009, 10:57:31 AM
Post by: Kirk Allen on February 03, 2009, 11:40:32 AM
Post by: Stevem on February 03, 2009, 08:53:09 PM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 04, 2009, 09:52:19 AM
I'll be calling soon............
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 04, 2009, 10:00:47 PM
Ended up at Steve M to check out the woodpecker activity.. Seems they had created nesting holes for..........drum roll..... Box Elder bugs which they are most likely eating. Damage encompassed outer bark only. Bark Beetle activity was notable but not extensive damage.
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 04, 2009, 10:05:22 PM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 04, 2009, 10:10:40 PM
Post by: Stephen Wiley on February 04, 2009, 10:15:43 PM
Post by: mike p on February 05, 2009, 06:13:00 AM
Post by: Stevem on February 05, 2009, 09:57:13 AM
Just for the record the lawn ornament is the small end from a 16' foot D.Fir which was 74" on the big end. Ring count is about 5 or 6 rings per inch. Not great but I got the log just to see if I could saw it with my Lucas. Can do but it's some what of a hassle. 40 to 50 inches is a lot easier.