These birds are larder hoarders. Gleaning off tree limbs this little guy will gather acorns and create a granary by drilling holes in a dead tree, or a dead branch. He'll stuff it with acorns and guard it against potential cache robbers. One such larder was discovered to contain 50,000 acorns. I photographed this bird along a riparian corridor in a Pine/Oak forest in northern Arizona.
It's interesting to note the greater portion of an Acorn Woodpecker's diet is insects. Fly-catching and foraging is a canopy activity so bird watching is easy. Family groups hold territories, and young woodpeckers stay with their parents for several years, so once you find them...you've found them!
What are you saving?
What are you gathering, valuing and protecting?
Sheila and I have decided to gather experiences. We work to collect moments and memories. We value family and friends.
We are building memories and hoarding holy moments.
What are you hoarding? Are you building a storehouse of meaningful memories or deep regrets?
What you value you'll work for, and collect. If you rate trusting friendships, loving community and true faith above other things, put some effort toward redeeming your moments with loved ones.
Be intentional about your life.
Your children will be home for a very brief time.
Your parents will not be strong forever. Bodies wear out; minds dim.
Your church has opportunity today it won't have tomorrow.
Your friendships don't keep; ignore them and you lose them.
It's easier to see this truth in some other person's life; what they value is obvious. They tend to hold territories of interest. They pass on to their children their principles and ideals. Whole families can be seen pursuing the same goals and striving for similar victories.
You'll pass along your values.
Sobering isn't it?
James 3:18 says, "You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor."
Beautiful analogy. I found your blog through someone who reads and admires it and knew I would love the bird photography. I plan on being a regular visitor. Thanks for the beauty.
Posted by: jayne | April 01, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Great Photography....
Posted by: Gene Ort | April 02, 2008 at 08:43 PM