Woodpeckers Make An early Start ????

Ed Tyler · #1 (**permalink**) 15-01-2009, 02:13 PM

Hi All,

Just been out walking my dogs and couldn't believe it when I heard a woodpecker having ago at a tree.

Is it too early for these guys to be looking for a nest????

Normally hear them but usually much later on around March/April time.

Two types we mainly get around us are the usual Greater Spotted and the more elusive Green Woodpecker.

Ed

Ruth Daniel · #2 (**permalink**) 15-01-2009, 02:19 PM

Nice one Ed,always a sign that Spring isn't too far off.....I think they hammer when calling for a mate don't they???

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 15-01-2009, 02:24 PM

They also chip at wood to get to insect larvae.

ron1863 · #4 (**permalink**) 15-01-2009, 02:42 PM

They mainly hammer at rotted wood for food such as maggots, insects etc. and hammer on fresh wood when mating, creating different sounds

natureshooter · #5 (**permalink**) 15-01-2009, 07:33 PM

Hi

While at cannock chase the last few weeks ive seen them in plenty,great spotted i can virtually guarantee will be near me within 10 mins or so once i put wild bird food out..They seen to love the old birch trees.Whie taking a few nuthatch pics the other day i heard a knocking,i knew the woodpecker was about,after 5 mins i looked above me and there it as..

Had some nice pics laterly.

Love them,great birds.

Ed Tyler · #6 (**permalink**) 16-01-2009, 06:58 AM

Thanks guys,

I thought they were starting the renovation process not feeding

Well that's why I'm here, to learn more.....

Ed

nakedgardener · #7 (**permalink**) 16-01-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Tyler

Thanks guys,

I thought they were starting the renovation process not feeding

Well that's why I'm here, to learn more.....

Ed

The drumming noise is to either attract a mate, or making a territorial claim to their patch, exactly the same as many birds sing.

It's not to early, after the New Year you'll start noticing all sorts of woodland birds getting more vocal.

It's certainly a lovely sign that spring is on it's way!

vogel · #8 (**permalink**) 16-01-2009, 12:48 PM

we see lots spotted here but no green , i once watched simon king on tv, many years back and he used to get them to come to him by tapping a stone on a tree, i tried it lots times and it does work.