What is granary tree?
We all know that woodpeckers have sturdy beaks which lets them drill through tree trunks. They make nests in those holes.
But I was not aware of granary trees made by woodpeckers. Whats that?
First I read in blogs and saw pictures of different tree trunks and branches with holes stuffed with one acorn each. There were trunks with thousands of acorns. I learnt that acorn woodpeckers gather acorns from the oak woodland during autumn, when the acorns are abundant. Laboriously they poke holes in chosen tree trunks, of just enough size, to stash the acorn. Squirrels or other birds cant take the lodged acorns. But all through winter and beyond, the woodpeckers will have a pantry full of acorns. That sounded genius!
As I hiked the chaparral, the characteristic biome of South California, where I live, I came across numerous of such woodpecker-crafted granary trees.
The pecking sounds of the birds will punctuate the silence, and as you look up, there will be countless acorns studded to the trunks.
Who knew woodpeckers can be such wise, resourceful birds, apart from being hardworking carpenters. They design natural pantries and safeguard against robbers too. They add zero carbon footprint as they ensure their food security.
Salute to these birds.