woodpecker treat.

[denn]

went out today on my usual quest to find a lesser spotted, which unfortuanately never materialised, but what a treat watching four great spotted, chasing each other around the tree tops calling and displaying for over an hour, well worth the early start.

[big bill]

Never had the opertunity to see a woodpecker would not know were to start as still new at this game,any ideas would be greatfully accepted live in North Scotland 16 miles from Inverness

[richardkm]

Originally Posted by big bill

Never had the opertunity to see a woodpecker would not know were to start as still new at this game,any ideas would be greatfully accepted live in North Scotland 16 miles from Inverness

Just find a nice bit of mixed woodland, visit fairly early in the morning and listen for the drumming which is going on at the present. Good luck.

[VinceS]

We see them regularily in the Abernethy forest when we are up there. However, along the coast between Nairn and Elgin is good birdwatching country. Should be good days out as we always go to these areas. Some of the forests as far as Burghead bay are also good places to go.

Vince

[roundwood123]

I am lucky enough to work in the countyside of North Essex and you cant fail to hear the drumming of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers at this time of year, but 2 years ago i was lucky enough to hear and see a Lesser, it was a great moment that i shall never forget, its a real shame they seem to be struggling unlike its bigger relative.

[big bill]

Thanks Richard and Vince for the advice only started towards the end of last year in bird photography and still finding my way about here and trying different places thanks for the tips will certainly try these areas out ony 10miles from house

[denn]

hi bill, as richard mentions, the key to spotting woodpeckers is finding an area of mixed deciduous woodland with a lot of old decaying tree's, they seem to favour old birch tree's in my neck of the wood, ( cheshire), and look out for old tree's riddled with hole's, they seem to visit and use the same set of tree's regularly.
good luck, keep us informed.
denn.

[big bill]

Thanks alot guys for the info will certainly put it to good use once you can get out without being blown off your feet

[richardkm]

Have a look here: Great Spotted Woodpecker

I digiscoped this by just holding my video camera against the eyepiece of my scope, hence the vignetting, I didn't have the Kowa adapter then.

[jamiewade94]

Originally Posted by roundwood123

I am lucky enough to work in the countyside of North Essex and you cant fail to hear the drumming of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers at this time of year, but 2 years ago i was lucky enough to hear and see a Lesser, it was a great moment that i shall never forget, its a real shame they seem to be struggling unlike its bigger relative.

Where abouts in North Essex do you work, becasue I live in Essex.