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Meet the ‘Red Headed Woodpecker’

September 26, 2013   ·   0 Comments

One of the most stunning birds you could be lucky to come across is the red headed woodpecker, who one of the many birds on the species at risk list under special concern.

These birds depend on dead trees for nesting in and raising their families.

Trees are a factor for all woodpeckers. And the number of trees we are losing every day is alarming. If a tree is a threat to human safety it must come down. But too many trees are taken down “just because”.

They are not only critical for our feathered friend’s survival, but also a very important part of our own environment and ecosystem. Although not really known for sure. I do feel that habitat loss is a good part of their and other bird species decline. I have been documenting these birds in my backyard since 2000.

These are amazing birds, and if you have the chance to see one, you will never forget its bright full red head and black & white body, its comical chattering and dancing and occasional drumming on eve’s troughs or chimney caps.

Every spring I await their arrival. And it is never mistaken when they arrive. The wheezy call that sounds like “queeah or queerp” over and over, not as strong as the red bellied woodpeckers call but lighter, the drumming steady and strong. The calling and chasing. Splashes of color alight the skies. Seen in treed areas where they nest in tree cavities and raise usually 3 young birds. The young lack the color and are gray with the white wing patches and no red head. Beautiful. I am fortunate that they bring their young here every year. And use my beautiful big old trees to raise the young and teach them to feed and to drum, call, chase and get ready for the journey south. Need to take a tree down. Leave 20 or 30 feet up for the woodpeckers. You will be rewarded.

By Jennifer Howard

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