Starling nesting in crested saguaro cactus (from the archives)
Woodpeckers(both Gila and Flickers) actually bore the original holes into the Saguaro, and the cactus responds by healing the walls of the excavation by secreting a resinous substance that hardens into a waterproof seal. The resulting “boot” becomes an ideal nesting site for a great variety of birds, including Starlings, sparrows, finches, martins, and small owls.
The crested saguaro is relatively rare. The cause of the fanlike growth pattern remains a mystery with theories including genetic mutation, lightning strike, and freeze damage.
Starling nesting in crested saguaro cactus (from the archives)
Woodpeckers(both Gila and Flickers) actually bore the original holes into the Saguaro, and the cactus responds by healing the walls of the excavation by secreting a resinous substance that hardens into a waterproof seal. The resulting “boot” becomes an ideal nesting site for a great variety of birds, including Starlings, sparrows, finches, martins, and small owls.
The crested saguaro is relatively rare. The cause of the fanlike growth pattern remains a mystery with theories including genetic mutation, lightning strike, and freeze damage.