Identifying a tree?

[Rrrma]

I have the list of bird safe trees, but I have no idea what most of them look like.

A tree fell down in a neighbors yard and it had LOTS of good branches that I would like to use to make perches and a playgym... but I have no idea what tree it is, and neither do they.

I've tried googling some of the names of ones I thought it might be but goodness there are so many different trees!

It is a smooth, silver barked tree with 3 point leaves. I thought maybe a poplar, but then the pictures on google seem not right :/

 

[Bobby34231]

Silver Birch Tree Maybe?

 

[Rrrma]

I figured it out right after I posted. I found one of those quizzes to identify it.

It is red maple, which is on the iffy list for birds. They say it might not be ok because it might harbor a fungus. But if I soak it in bleach and dry it in the sun, wouldn't that kill it?

 

[Bobby34231]

Good deal Sara, glad you figured it out

 

[wildheart]

Bleach or bake. I just tie a rope to the trees and sink it in the pool and leave it for a couple of days and then bake it in the sun till dry.

I checked a couple of web sites and they list Red Maple as toxic and others say it is ok with conditions. I found one very interesting site from Dr. M. Vaden and there is contact details. Why dont you take a photo of the tree and e-mail it to him to identify properly and give his opinion whether you can you use it or not. He also have a bird section on his website.

From: Bird; Birds: Safe, Toxic Trees, Woods. Safe Tree Wood. Parrots. Parrot cages.

Maple Originally, this page only listed two maple trees: vine maple as safe, and red maple as potentially harmful. I've included "maple" in the safe list now, but with this condition: remove the bark. It may not be absolutely necessary, but its the only way that I'll suggest most of that tree genus. From what I've read, the bark of many maple trees, like vine maple or Japanese maple, etc., is fine. Meaning, the bark in itself is not deemed a problem. But red maple (Acer rubrum) can harbor a fungus. Inhalation of exuded residue may be harmful. Maple wood - in general - should be safe for natural wood bird perches once bark is removed. One source wrote that "red maple" is bad for horses, not really specifying why. Currently, I'd use almost any maple branch for a bird toy or perch..