More Signs of Spring

Following the first swallow sighting last week, another sign of spring has been the loud drumming of a woodpecker along Burwardsley Road.

Notoriously difficult to photograph because of their annoying habit of hiding on the other side of the tree, this one was tempted into the open by changing to peanuts in the garden feeder. As expected, it proved to be a male Great Spotted Woodpecker and with luck he might bring his offspring later. The Great Spotted is the most likely of the UK's three woodpeckers to be seen regularly in Tattenhall. Their nest making in tree holes is well known but less well known is their tendency to removing other bird's chicks from nest holes including nesting boxes.

He proved more difficult to snap than some of the other woodpeckers I have seen. This male Pileated Woodpecker (bottom left) in Mariposa Grove, California, was happy to let me approach to within a few feet.

In the Arizona desert there are no trees to hide behind and Gila Woodpeckers make-do with tree-sized cacti as did this male (bottom right) in the amazing Papago botanical park, Phoenix, AZ.

Great News – we have also recruited a 'local' to write a monthly column on bird sightings and movements in Tattenhall – we look forward to receiving his first report.

(Click to enlarge)