Tree architecture, in particular tree size, and tree cover in the surrounding landscape were the best predictors of bird use of remnant trees.
When he got to a particular tree, he would start talking, as if arguing with it.
"I'm sure someone came for this particular tree," says Pearce, "because nothing else was stolen".
No particular tree has been designated as his inspiration, but Mahwah has no shortage of candidates.
Manuka is generally regarded as the most potent honey, but it relies upon nectar from a particular tree in New Zealand, limiting its supply.
He went on: "You're getting generations of people who safeguard a particular tree, and then its responsibility just shifts by one person, and it's done.
Last week, Rosie Mendez, the councilwoman's chief of staff, said the bill was not prompted by a particular tree or by a general dislike of them.
"A couple came in and they were looking for a particular tree, and the way they described it, I knew which one it was".
Above all, though, you've got to wonder why, if Congress has time for things like cellphone gripes, it's barking up this particular tree.
Further, even particular tree species, such as mahogany, are so scarce that only one individual can be found in every few hectares or less.
If you have a particular bird, it means that you'll have a particular tree bark, or nut, or bug, and so on.
