Birdseye Maple is an interesting and dramatic wood. This unusual grain variation appears mostly in the sugar maple tree. It is thought that the small swirls or the "eyes" are actually dormant buds. The reason for the profusion of them in a particular log or part of a log is unclear. Since it is almost impossible to determine the hidden grain pattern from the outside of the tree, this wood is usually only identified at the sawmill when it is cut into the boards. Then hopefully it will be separated. Because of the random nature of this occurrence and the infrequency of it's showing up, this wood is much sought after. The colour of the wood will mellow to a warm golden tone.