By Peggy Kelly Gierhart
Recently, during a bird walk at the North Unit of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park, I headed down the River Trail toward the boardwalk to visit my favorite tree, a giant dead snag to the west of the trail. Much to my dismay, it had fallen.
Before and After photos of the tree, upright and snapped off, by Jeanine Hutcherson and Andy Laurent
That dead tree that was so full of life! It was a place I could rely on seeing multiple bird species in one spot. I often called it the Social Snag. I’ve spent many hours observing activity around that tree. I have seen bald eagles, woodpeckers, herons, wood ducks, warblers, swallows, hawks, starlings, and more perched there—often several at the same time. The memories of this iconic snag will remain in photos and in my mind, showing me that many species can peacefully share a communal space.
Photos by Peggy Kelly Gierhart. Clockwise from top left: Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, pair of Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpecker.
On the brighter side, the importance of fallen snags is very clear. They replenish the supply of decaying wood that provides vital habitat for wildlife of all kinds. I am looking forward to a new journey with my favorite snag on a new level.
Andy Laurent adds:Â The big dead raptor perch tree on the peninsula in the North Unit fell over. I've called it the Osprey Tree because of how many times I saw those birds eating a fish dinner up there!