I last wrote about Clark’s nutcrackers in Deep into Yellowstone: “Whitebark pine seeds are one of that bird’s most important foods. To get the goodies, a nutcracker must tear apart a whitebark’s tough cones. After reaching the seeds, the bird flies away, carrying batches. It buries the seeds in scattered caches where it hopes to feed later in the year. But the birds don’t find all that buried treasure. Seeds not eaten can sprout and expand the forest. The Clark’s nutcracker is the Johnny Appleseed of whitebark pine.”
This one's delightful, Rick! Only you could have thought about comparing Johnny Appleseed to a Clark's Nutcracker, but, danged if you didn't pull it off! Nicely done.
Since these birds belong to the corvidae family we know they are smart. Makes you wonder if they are just caching seed or if they are planning for the future by planting trees. Nature takes care of herself quite well. Every summer I find sunflower seedlings growing in my potted plants from the Stellar Jays, another corvidae, having gathered the seed from my bird feeders! Great article.
I love these emails and save them until I have a moment to read. They are perfect to take me to some little part of nature, away from the workday I'm facing. 🌿
Hi, Martha, and thanks for your comment and telling me that the emails take you to some part of nature. That is my intent in writing them and I'm glad it worked. Enjoy!
I grew up in Ohio and knew all about Johnny Appleseed. I was fascinated by his lifestyle but wondered why anyone would choose to be alone. Now I understand! Love the comparison with the Nutcracker. JB
This one's delightful, Rick! Only you could have thought about comparing Johnny Appleseed to a Clark's Nutcracker, but, danged if you didn't pull it off! Nicely done.
Yes, Brother, I've been kicking this one around for quite some time and finally decided to publish it. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Since these birds belong to the corvidae family we know they are smart. Makes you wonder if they are just caching seed or if they are planning for the future by planting trees. Nature takes care of herself quite well. Every summer I find sunflower seedlings growing in my potted plants from the Stellar Jays, another corvidae, having gathered the seed from my bird feeders! Great article.
Hi, Gail. That's a great question about whether Clark's nutcrackers are Nature's way of taking care of herself. Thanks for sharing it.
I love these emails and save them until I have a moment to read. They are perfect to take me to some little part of nature, away from the workday I'm facing. 🌿
Hi, Martha, and thanks for your comment and telling me that the emails take you to some part of nature. That is my intent in writing them and I'm glad it worked. Enjoy!
I enjoyed & shared🦋
Thanks so much!
I grew up in Ohio and knew all about Johnny Appleseed. I was fascinated by his lifestyle but wondered why anyone would choose to be alone. Now I understand! Love the comparison with the Nutcracker. JB
I sure enjoyed learning about Johnny Appleseed since I knew nothing about him. I'll bet he was quite the folk hero in Ohio.
Very interesting. I vote for more birds and less people (unless they are like Johnny Appleseed). Thank you for your wonderful essays.
Thanks, Patricia, for your kind words.