Pileated Woodpecker Signs
Here is another telltale bird sign that you can find rather easily in the winter. Any guesses as to what species made these massive marks on this tree? The Pileated Woodpecker is a large, crow-size bird and as such it creates astonishingly huge holes with its big bill. Even though they are conspicuous birds when seen they can be tough to find in the first place because they have such large territories. If you cannot see them flashing by through mature woodlands try listening for their laughing call or finding these reminders of their presence.
Read MoreDowny Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides pubescens) are a common sight in the region and can typically be seen hammering away at the bark of a tree, attempting to uncover a nice juicy larval insect. These woodpeckers aren’t terribly picky, and have recently been found to munch down Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) larvae, an invasive species of beetle attacking ash trees. As EAB has spread throughout several states, scientists have been seeing rising population numbers as a result of increased food resources in at least four bird species, including the downy woodpecker. While woodpeckers may have some...
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson woodpecker plate
Throwback Thursday – Roger Tory Peterson with one of his exquisite woodpecker plates as taken by Noble Proctor. Can you identify the birds? I’ve seen all three! Maybe the last one was not living…you can find the Red-headed Woodpecker uncommonly in a few locations Western New York and the Pileated Woodpecker in areas of sizable mature forests. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker is in RTPI’s collection along with several other now extinct species.
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