In this Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis) unsplit branch flute, some of the bark has been left on, sanded down in a mottled pattern to contrast nicely with the exposed wood grain. Measuring 17 3/8" in length, it is accurately tuned to a clear and sweet A# pentatonic scale, playing three upper octave notes, with a wonderful controllable warble on the fundamental.  A few small knots have been inlaid with malachite. Deer lacing with malachite and read horn-bone beads holds the bird to the nest.  To help prevent wet-out, the bird has been fitted with a redwood shoe, and a drain hole, covered by the lacing, has been designed into the bottom of the air chamber.  The branch for this flute was gathered sustainably, with love and gratitude, along San Marcos Creek, in San Diego County, CA, amongst a wild grove of Arroyo Willow trees.   California Indians found many uses for the wonderful willow tree, including bows, baskets, shelters, clothing, fish traps and medicines derived from salicin in the willow's bark, the original aspirin.