Industrious Innovators ~ Notes from the editor

Everything we’ve learned we have learned from other “inferior” animals.  Case in point, this canoe-building woodpecker.  Canoe building, you ask, how can I possibly make that inference?

Let’s start with the geography of things.  Throughout human history, we have evolved, used and used up our environmental resources.  We adapt and create what we need to live.

Sure, birds can fly so why would they need a canoe.  Well, humans can walk and we need canoes (at least we once needed canoes) and flying machines too.  That is why the earliest people to live along our shores – or perhaps any shores – looked for ways to stay afloat.  Dug out canoes were just one of the many ways that early people did this.

These canoes are still being made today in many parts of the world.  I suspect these same canoe designs were made eons ago in similar ways, with a strong back of a different nature.

This is not an easy building project for human or bird.  The canoes are logs, which have had the bark removed and the insides hollowed out using tools, and often controlled fires.  I do understand that the pileated will have some obstacles to overcome.  Cutting it to length, for example.  That will easily be taken care of when a New York State or Town of Canadice work crew eventually realizes the extend of the Pileated’s project and graciously cuts the log to length.  This will make it easier for the woodpecker to finish it off and drag it down hill – with the help of spring rains, mud and friends, to the water.

Next, there is the question of a controlled fire to finish off the hollowing out process.  This is a bit tricky given that there is currently a burn ban in effect in our region.  No worries, it is also thunderstorm season and woodpeckers, especially Pileated woodpeckers have some pull with the weather gods.

In the mean time, the woodpecker is demonstrating how to accumulate an abundance of fresh mulch, just in time for spring gardening season.  They have also shown us how to swim, float, fly, use simple tools, settle disputes and adapt to change.  There is much to learn for those willing to listen.  Thus, I have no doubt that the earliest dug out canoe builders got their inspiration from the innovative and industrious woodpeckers.

D.E. Bentley – Editor Owl Light News