I took this picture while we were on our maple sugaring lab at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm in Canton, NY. I think this is a very cool photo because it shows how much this tree has endured such as the woodpecker holes and the cold weather and snow. I like this photo because it shows signs that woodpeckers have been feeding in this area.

Woodpeckers actually manipulate wood and bark for different reasons. Some species drill holes to extract nutritious sap or protein-rich insects, while others carve nesting holes and deep, sheltered cavities. Some species even use holes and bark as caches for nuts and seeds. Eventually the number and size of the holes will cause the tree to tip over and break, if rot doesn't kill the tree first.