Two years ago today I was in the Targhee National Forest of Clark County, Idaho photographing birds at what I called the Magical Sapsucker Tree.

Sapsucker wells in an Aspen, Targhee National Forest, Clark County, IdahoSapsucker wells in an Aspen

Because the Williamson’s Sapsuckers had made that tree home for what appeared to be many years other species were also able to call it home by nesting on older cavities the sapsuckers had excavated.

This photo shows some of the sapsucker wells that were drilled into a nearby aspen.

Male Williamson's Sapsucker on a tree with three nesting cavities showing, Targhee National Forest, Clark County, IdahoMale Williamson’s Sapsucker on a tree with three nesting cavities showing

The male Williamson’s Sapsucker was beautiful, industrious and moved like lighting. I also saw male and female Red-naped Sapsuckers on the tree.

Red-breasted Nuthatch at a nesting cavity opening, Targhee National Forest, Clark County, IdahoRed-breasted Nuthatch at a nesting cavity opening

There were other birds like this Red-breasted Nuthatch that were attracted to the nesting cavity tree along with House Wrens, Mountain Chickadees, Northern Flickers, Tree Swallows and Pine Siskins too. I think the siskins were just attracted by all the noise the other birds made.

Male Mountain Bluebird clinging to the nesting tree, Targhee National Forest, Clark County, IdahoMale Mountain Bluebird clinging to the nesting tree

A pair of Mountain Bluebirds had made one of the cavities their nest and spent time defending it and bringing in nesting materials.

Female Mountain Bluebird clinging to the nesting tree, Targhee National Forest, Clark County, IdahoFemale Mountain Bluebird clinging to the nesting tree

The last time I saw the tree standing the bluebirds were on eggs and I was so excited that I might be able to see them feeding their young there along with possible young Williamson’s Sapsuckers in another cavity.

But it was not to be. Someone chopped down the nesting cavity tree that might have had baby birds in it and when I saw what had been done I felt as if my gut had been punched by a prize fighting boxer.

I keep hoping I will find another magical sapsucker tree as busy and as magical as this tree was. I miss it. All of these images were taken two years ago today.

Life is good.

Mia

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