Animal Inns

Ron Scott · February 23, 2002, 10:37:51 AM

Similiar to Jeff's wall plaque made from his Florida wood but these are real life. Raccoons in white Oak Tree

Tom · February 23, 2002, 12:10:53 PM

Good shot, Scott.

Yeah, but this one looks like real coons in a real, tied-to-the-ground tree. Tell me how how you sneaked up on them.

Ron Scott · February 23, 2002, 12:11:47 PM

Purcupine's Home

Den in American Beech Tree

Ron Scott · February 25, 2002, 06:44:56 PM

The young raccoons were looking up at me as I went up to the tree to measure and mark it for harvest in a selection cut. The tree was left as an "Animal Inn".

Tom · February 27, 2002, 05:55:27 PM

We were sawing today in a small swamp on private land that the logging crew just moved off of this morning. The logs were being cut into 2x6, 2x8 and 6x8 for a barn.

We were stacking and stickering the lumber and beams about 40 feet behind the mill. Towards the end of the day, we looked up and saw to our horror, not 15 feet from the lumber, this.

Got to go back tomorrow and finish.

Frank_Pender · February 28, 2002, 05:49:24 AM

On our Tree Farm we call them "critter trees". We have three pair of Pillated (sp) woodpeckers that come to nest in some of the 200 year old (plus) Oak that have deteriated to snag status. I saw the first one of the season yesterday. They are truly fun to watch hack away at a tree. :D The chips really fly whenthey work for the bugs.

timberbeast · March 01, 2002, 10:04:23 PM

Gotta like them Pilated 'peckers. They let you know which trees are full of ants! Got a big Spruce blowdown on my land, roots sticking up all over. Been a female Black bear denning there the last two years. I wear my .44 Mag when I cut, just in case I get between her and the cubs by accident, I figure I might as well have one quick chance to live. Have seen their tracks lots, but thankfully they are shy animals, as long as they don't bother me, they can have that tree!

Ron Scott · March 24, 2002, 02:57:20 PM

Wildlife Openings
Provide for and manage wildlife openings in your woodland.

Ron Scott · March 24, 2002, 03:19:14 PM

Wetlands for Wildlife
Don't forget the wetlands.

Ron Scott · March 29, 2002, 04:37:12 PM

Woodpecker's Tree Red Maple tree being worked on in transition zone with red pine plantation.

woodman · March 29, 2002, 07:04:08 PM

Grate photo's here in the city all we see is some black ants when i cut in red oak. It shure looks nice out there though.

Ron Scott · March 30, 2002, 06:59:35 AM

The oak trees are favorites for "Animal Inns" even in the city. Look them over closely for their wildlife benefits if you don't need to harvest the tree. I realize that some will be "hazard trees, especially in communities, public campgrounds etc. and need to be removed.

I'm working an oak stand now which will provide some more Animal Inn photos.

Ron Scott · April 09, 2002, 06:27:58 PM

Skunk Den in Hollow Hard Maple Log. Note tracks in snow around den.

Jeff · April 09, 2002, 06:48:00 PM

A yep. thats one id be saving allright.

Ron Scott · April 09, 2002, 06:57:17 PM

A little story along with this one. The skunk must have come out of recent hibernation. A coyote was hot on its trail right from the den, but I don't know the outcome and couldn't get follow up pictures of the story.

Ron Scott · April 10, 2002, 05:26:18 PM

Grey Squirrel Den Tree. Den in black oak tree. Tree left as Wildlife Tree on timber harvest site.

Ron Scott · April 11, 2002, 02:43:17 PM

Flying Squirrel Den. 15 feet up in white oak tree.

Ron Scott · April 11, 2002, 02:57:16 PM

Flying Squirrel Den. In white Oak Tree, closer view.

Ron Scott · April 16, 2002, 06:39:26 PM

Protecting Animal Inn. Skidder Operator protects Animal Inn at wood's landing.

Ron Scott · April 17, 2002, 05:33:16 PM

Cavity Trees, Black Cherry. Twin black cherry trees provide cavities and mast for wildlife.

Ron Scott · April 18, 2002, 08:14:47 AM

Woodpecker Tree, Aspen. An Aspen tree favored by the woodpecker. Aspen usually aren't designated as a favored wildlife den, snag, cavity, or mast tree since they are short lived in the ecosystem. They are left standing however when active use is being made of them such as this one.

Ron Scott · April 19, 2002, 07:05:38 PM

Woodpecker Tree, White Pine. White pine becomes woodpecker tree after lightning strike.

Ron Scott · May 03, 2002, 07:19:54 PM

American Beech Clump. Left for Wildlife Mast and Cavities.

Ron Scott · May 05, 2002, 07:33:23 PM

Log Landing Improves Habitat. A hollow American beech log was left on the log landing, up off ground slightly, with uprooted stump from landing clearing placed behind it. The landing was seeded with a wildlife food mixture after closure of the timber sale. Wildlife food sources and cover provided.

CHARLIE · May 06, 2002, 09:21:49 AM

Ron, I find it interesting at how much thought you put into leaving homes for animals when you are picking trees for harvesting. I'm enjoying this thread.