Question
We cut two large branches off a birch tree earlier this year,  Now have a large mass on one spot, less on other.  Gooey and orange.  Looks awful. This is a large, otherwise healthy, tree. What should I do or it?

Answer
This is normal. River birch transpire a great amount of water-this is especially true in the spring when the pressure is higher to push the sap from the roots to the new leaves. Normally you see this after branches have been pruned in the spring or maybe broken off.  I would not be concerned it will lessen as the warmer months come. Nothing really needs to be done.
Trees absorb water through the root system and through pressure the water is transported to the foliage. The growing action of the cells in the leaves cause the pressure drawing the water and food up to the leaves where it is turned into food for the tree. When a branch is pruned during this period the sap can leak out. It will heal over by itself.