Children are known to hug this tree as they pass by because they know that this is an endangered species. While most of these trees are disappearing due to a nasty canker fungus, this tree is doing quite well. The fungus kills the cambium in elongated patches. In early spring the cankers may excude a blackish fluid which dries to form sooty patches. Most young trees cannot survive with this canker.
Animals love this tree, especially the gray squirrel. They are the masters of butternut conservation. Planting the seeds everywhere is a great conservation technique.
In November, the butternuts have lost all their summer leaves. A proud little white-breasted nuthatch descends the massive arms of the tree, uttering a continual series of nasal whistles. These birds will often hide food in the crevices of the bark on trunks and branches for later use.
A female downy woodpecker is a common visitor to this tree. Ta, ta, ta, ta, you can hear the vibrations as you sit under the trunk. This bird's head is always in motion, and my presence is ignored!
A tree is more than the sum of its parts... It is also the myriad of life that makes this place their home.
No comments:
Post a Comment