Black Woodpeckers

[Forestknights]

I just got back from teaching first aid in a forestry commission woodland near Charmouth Dorset. I heard a bird I didnt recognise I was informed it was a black woody.

Is this possible on the Dorset/devon border?

Wayne

[SteveA]

Hi Wayne,

Although there have been many claimed sightings of this species in Britain during perhaps the last 100 years, I don't think any have been accepted by the rarities committees.

As far as trying to ID them on call alone, I recall an occasion in SE Europe when a friend and I tracked down what we believed to be a BW, only to find that it was two plantation trees knocking together in the breeze

They really are unmistakable once seen though.

If anywhere, you'd think they would turn up along the Kent coast (shortest sea crossing).

Can you describe the sound(s) you heard?

[John]

Originally Posted by Forestknights

I just got back from teaching first aid in a forestry commission woodland near Charmouth Dorset. I heard a bird I didnt recognise I was informed it was a black woody.

Is this possible on the Dorset/devon border?

Wayne

Hi Wayne

I have heard and seen quite a few Black Woodpeckers abroad but I have to say that I very much doubt if there is one in Britain, never mind in Dorset. They are very big birds (between the size of a Jackdaw and a Crow) and it's sound is unmistakeable like no Woodpecker or bird we have in Britain.

On top of that there hasn't been a report of a Black Woodpecker on the pager system for a very long time and believe me if someone can just come along and casually say it was a Black Woodpecker then it would have been reported by now.

I suspect that if you didn't see the bird then it will have to go as an unidentified bird.

John

[Forestknights]

thanks fot the info. i was surprised at the suggeston it was a black woodpecker.

I am due back there soon. I will try and shed more light on what it was.