A Visit From A Great Spotted Woodpecker

Often heard, but not often seen, we are privileged to see this magnificent bird in our garden.

Even virgin twitchers can recognise the woodpecker. Its peck (an understatement if ever there was one) resembles a ratchet rattle, often heard at UK football matches in the olden days. When heard, the rattle sound means it’s boring out a nest or warning other woodpeckers not to stray on to its territory.

The Woodpecker’s large hard beak gives wood chisels a run for their money. One would think they would get brain damage bashing away nineteen to the dozen but nature designed them to withstand the hammer blows. They also use their stiff tail feathers to support themselves while they are about their inimitable business.

The Bad news: Woodpeckers are not averse to raiding other species' nests to snack on eggs and chicks.

The Good news: They don’t migrate so we hope to see this superb bird again.

Post by Pamela, photography by Mark.