Sandy McRuer wrote:
>
> I have a theory that I would kile some knowledgable reaction to. It seems to
> me that the "hands" or deformities created by hemlock misltetoe would be
> excellent platforms for marbled murrelet nests. They are often near the
> outside of the crowns and therefore provide fairly easy access for these
> birds as they are not noted for agility. What does the literature say? What
> do people think?
>
> Sandy McRuer
> Port Alberni
> Vancouver Island
> Yours truly,
>
> John A. McRuer R.P.F.

I have been trained in Marbled murrelet survey protocol, and yes, Dwarf
mistletoe is one of the things you look for in determining murrelet
habitat. As they need a platform for the "nest site", Dwarf mistletoe is
made to order although that is not the only site used for nesting. They
require a platform that is 7" in diameter. A limb with a 5" diameter
with a 2" layer of moss will also fit this criteria.

Rick Wood