When faced with the prospect of writing my weekly column, I usually begin by assessing various topics. As this is the first week of 2010, my mind drifts toward writing something related to New Year's resolutions. However, a few sentences later, I realize my topic if not an outright dead-end, is certainly a road filled with too many familiar pot-holes.

Is there is a way to attach a New Year's resolution to a global concern such as climate change? Could I make climate change sound like a course of self-improvement resolutions? This year I resolve to lose a ton of carbon emissions, rather than this year I resolve to lose five pounds of body fat.

A few sentences onward, I realize the only accepted facts about climate change are that there are two immovable camps. One group believes that humans are partially, or fully to blame for climate changes, and should do something to modify their behaviour. The other group believes that human activity has nothing to do with climate change no matter how high the scientific data piles. One group sees a problem; the other group does not. Why would two such divided groups agree on common New Year's resolutions? It seems best to back away from the topic completely.

So, I've clattered away on the keyboard for an hour and still have no topic for a column. Perhaps, I should leave the esoteric global realm and poke my nose into the more mundane local scene - for example, my yard.

Last week I told the story of a male Hairy Woodpecker struggling to survive his injuries, and I've had several inquiries about his condition. Ok, I've had one email. Still, there was concern and I owe that person a reply.

Not long after the injured Woodpecker column was "put to bed", as we in the story-telling business like to say. I looked out the window in bright sunlight and could clearly see every detail of the Hairy Woodpecker. Any questions I had were immediately answered.

The bird's right eye was open and functioning. His beak was still slightly agape. The reason for his open beak was readily apparent. A pine needle stuck fast to the Woodpecker's cheek had jammed open the corner of his mouth. I also noted that as the bird ate, there was much saliva spilling from his open mouth. This could easily lead to dehydration if the situation was not remedied. In order to save itself the Woodpecker needed to gain enough strength and awareness of his unkempt condition to simply scratch its face and dislodge the foreign material. But would the Woodpecker recognize his plight and scratch his face in time?

Next day, the Woodpecker came to the feeder and I immediately noted the pine needle was gone and his beak was tightly closed. This woodpecker had the wherewithal and fortitude to recognize the pine needle stuck to his own face was the problem.

I offered the woodpecker more suet and he now appears to be on the road to recovery. But as with birds, so with climate change. Problems must be recognized before it is too late.