@fatamorgana Those are relatively big holes. Is it making a (narrow) house in there or..?
@fatamorgana That doesn't look like it's good for the tree...
@trinsec
Usually the tree is already dead or at least severely suffering from a bug infestation. Happily the birches and aspens have suckers and clones that replace the dying trunk.
@trinsec
Most likely looking for ants or other bugs.
These birds usually make big oblong shaped holes, often much bigger than this one.