Great report on a study out of Colorado that shows that foraging birds like Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch and Yellow-rumped Warbler significantly increase ponderosa pine growth and enhance the health of the trees. These three bird species were abundant at Cal-Wood. In fact the first time I ever identified Mountain Chickadee and Pygmy Nuthatch was up in the top of a pondersa with Treetramp. Whenever a birder ID's a new species they add it to their life list. In this case they'll go on to my "tree life" list.

Chickadee, Nuthatch Presence In Conifers Increases Tree Growth

-moss

Hey, thanks for pointing this one out, Moss. I get Ecology, but I had missed this one (not much time to read when the semester gets rolling).

We sighted a golden eagle while at Cal-Wood too. It was my second sighting on my list of birds.

Patty saw a red breasted nut hatch in Estes Park a few days later. It was a lifer for her (life list).

Thanks for the info on the local birds and how they support forest growth.