I've been seeing a lot of red maples (Acer rubrum) with what appear to be woodpecker or sapsucker holes. The trees appear to be otherwise very healthy. Haven't seen the birds themselves.

Does anyone have any insight as to what specifically the birds might be looking for? Are red maples commonly a host to an insect that they love, or are they simply looking for a sweet sap to taste? Any ideas on the probable species?

Anyone have any ideas or general knowledge on the topic?... perhaps published research or references?

Reply to post by Paul M Davis, on April 16, 1999 at 11:57:06:

Paul, I've seen it on sugar maple, but not on red. I don't think I've paid attention enough to draw any conclusion about either species.

I think there was an earlier thread on this if you have time to search for it.

Reply to post by Paul M Davis, on April 16, 1999 at 11:57:06:

My ubderstanding is that the birds are creating spots where insects will come and feed, then the bird returns to eat the bug. this is why they peck series of holes and return to the same tree on a regular basis. Eat the bugs, tap some new holes.

But then this is word of mouth, no citation.

Ive been in silver maple when nuthacth come to peck, saw one putting holes in a clients soffet a few days ago.

Reply to post by Scott, on April 16, 1999 at 11:57:06:

Making an attractant for insects makes a lot of sense to me. Saw the other thread, too.

Thanks guys.

Reply to post by Paul M Davis, on April 16, 1999 at 11:57:06:

The sapsuckers, primarily the yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) is a North American migratory bird, spending the warm season in the northern US and Canada, and wintering in Mexico and Central america.

During migration and wintering periods, and sometimes during the warm season, it drills series of holes in tree trunks and limbs. It drinks the high-energy sap and feeds on the phloem cells, and occasionally on insects beneath the bark. It often sets up a route of "feeder trees" in an area, and will revisit the same trees periodically, feeding on insects that gather to the wounds, and to create more holes for sap. During the srping months, it also feeds on the tender centers of some hardwood tree buds.

Favored hosts include hemlock, pine, some spruces and fir, Douglas-fir, red and sugar maple, beech, birch, apple, and several species of *Cedrus, and many others.

Trees may be severely damaged, depending on the extent of injury. I've seen one young deodar cedar that was 85% girdled by a sapsucker within 3 days (the tender bark between holes easily broke away).