Some humans have argued that a possible solution to the woodpecker
issue is to move our little feathered friends off of private
property.  Yes, maybe it would protect “human property rights” (humans are so selfish), but what about woodpecker rights?

To move a
cute little endangered woodpecker from its nest would be unfair to the
little bird.  It would require the woodpecker to build a whole new
nest, without any compensation.  If we really are for property
rights, then we have to respect the woodpecker’s property rights too.

Of course, sometimes the government needs to take a nest for a
“public use.”  In that case, the woodpecker still should be
provided just compensation.  I think just compensation should be
more than fair market value–it should make the woodpecker
“whole.”  This includes relocation costs and the cost of a new
nest.

Isn’t he cute!  If humans were more like woodpeckers, the world
would be a better place.  We would live in trees and fly, and
there would be peace and love around the world.

HT: Jon Ham and Jon Sanders