unusual Woodpecker behaviour

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by JeffH

Thanks again Mark - I'm going to go out in the garden and give it a go as there's usually one fairly nearby Jeff

Well Mark and Doug, whilst out in the garden this afternoon I tried the 'two flints' and the 'stone on tree' tapping techniques several times to try to attract a GSW into the garden - with no success whatsoever

I also tried it when I saw/heard a Green Woodpecker landing in a tree just across the meadow next to our garden - a distance of about 40 - 50 metres away. Result? - it flew off

Thus far I have to say that the technique is unproven, though I will try it again . Anyway, about an hour or so later a GSW did appear on one of our nut feeders - delayed reaction perhaps? I think not, more likely the result of providing them with several hundredweight of peanuts each year

What it did do is demonstrate to our neighbours (as if they needed any more evidence ) what a nutter that guy next door is

Jeff

[mh68]

Sorry to hear it didnt work this time Jeff, usually if theres a GSW nearby it doesnt take long for them to react to it.

Mark H

[Marshall Stax]

Ok it’s not a GSW but here is Attenborough demonstrating the tapping technique for a magellanic woodpecker.

YouTube - Attenborough - Territorial Sound

[mh68]

Originally Posted by Marshall Stax

Ok it’s not a GSW but here is Attenborough demonstrating the tapping technique for a magellanic woodpecker.

YouTube - Attenborough - Territorial Sound

Nice find. It has been demonstrated with GSW`s on one of the recent wildlife programmes....i think it might have been Nature of Britain but not certain.

Mark H

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by JeffH

Well Mark and Doug, whilst out in the garden this afternoon I tried the 'two flints' and the 'stone on tree' tapping techniques several times to try to attract a GSW into the garden - with no success whatsoever

I also tried it when I saw/heard a Green Woodpecker landing in a tree just across the meadow next to our garden - a distance of about 40 - 50 metres away. Result? - it flew off

Thus far I have to say that the technique is unproven, though I will try it again . Anyway, about an hour or so later a GSW did appear on one of our nut feeders - delayed reaction perhaps? I think not, more likely the result of providing them with several hundredweight of peanuts each year

What it did do is demonstrate to our neighbours (as if they needed any more evidence ) what a nutter that guy next door is

Jeff

Might I suggest you try again.
Only this time, do it this way...

1)Don dinner suit and bright red cummerbund
2)Climb tree
3)Hang upside down from branch
4)Tap your flints together.

Sorry.
Didn't I mention all that?!


Seriously though...
Well... I've tried it a few times a few years ago, (when I knew there were GSWs around in the wood), and it seemed to work then?

Must be just our woodpeckers...

Doug

[JeffH]

OK guys, I'm convinced - if Attenborough says it works that's good enough for me (thanks for the link Marshall Stax)

As for the expanded instructions Doug, I normally do my Sunday gardening in a suit of course - but it's usually one of those with the jacket sleeves tied together at the back as the wife (and the neighbours!) are afraid I might escape

Jeff