The last sugar maple (Acer saccharum) on my property is dying. It does not have the classic conical shape of a sugar maple as hard years of branch breaks and errant side growths gives it an irregular and awkward shape, prone to damage. Regardless, from its girth I suspect that it is over 100 years old and found itself next to a side road that used to lead up to the back of my now house, then barn.

But for the last few years, increasing numbers of leaders sported smaller sized and amounts of leaves, eventually leading to branches devoid of life. These sticks stand out in Winter as their bark sloughs off and the animals have at them. This year in particular has been rough on this tree as major limbs have snapped during storms while others barely hold on with inertia and time.

Looking at the tree yesterday in bright morning light, I notice what I think is a new hole in one of the higher branches. Getting binoculars to give me a better view, I spot a perfectly round hole that is 3-4 inches in diameter. Another leader is pocketed with holes but none so neat and none looking like they could accommodate a nest. If my reference books are correct, this could be the new nesting spot for a pileated woodpecker. A pair of binoculars are at the ready.