As an astute reader pointed out in a previous post, it is strange to see a tree with so much growth on its branches while the surrounding trees do not even have any leaves. In the middle of Winter. It is particularly more impressive considering that it is located right by the sea, where winter storms are frequent and merciless. Yet here it is in all its fruiting glory.
Zoom in to see the mysterious red berries up close, as well as the resident geese milling about by the lamp post.
This tree was teeming with life: a gang of pudgy sparrows, robins, and chickadees frolicked on the branches, looking for tasty treats, no doubt. Most interesting of all was a lordly woodpecker who positioned himself on a branch and began to peck peck peck.
Orange circle marks the location of woodpecker on the branch.
It was quite the amazing sight. Several branches were riddled with holes. Interesting patterns covered their entire length. Upon close inspection, I could see small holes arranged in rings along the branch, symmetrical and equally spaced apart. It was quite an impressive engineering and artistic feat.
The woodpecker pecked pecked pecked in quick successive strikes. Bits of bark flew off and fell on the ground. The bird stopped, looked, around, then returned to its peck peck peck. Swiftly it moved around the branch. Its quick dexterous movements were a feat of agility and efficiency. It was well camouflaged too. The bird's red head mimicked the bright red hue of the berries. A predator would likely have a difficult time spotting the pecker as it clung to the branch and pecked pecked pecked.
Zoom in to see the holes along the branches!
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