Woody Wood Pecker

Whilst out walking in the gardens that where part of Culter House in PeterCulter, but now and over grown forest. I herd again the Wood Pecker that has been eluding me since January.

And it was quite close (in fact about two hundred meters or so directly in front of me), wrong lens on the DSLR!! Quick-change to the Telephoto and grabbed two shots (this is one).

As I then moved forward it flew off, story of my photographic staking skills (that being rubbish).

It is a great spotted woodpecker, about blackbird-sized and striking black-and-white. It has a very distinctive bouncing flight and spends most of its time clinging to tree trunks and branches, often trying to hide on the side away from the observer. Its presence is often announced by its loud call or by its distinctive spring 'drumming' display.

The male has a distinctive red patch on the back of the head and young birds have a red crown.

Found in Woodlands, especially with mature broad-leaved trees, although mature conifers will support them. Also in parks and large gardens. They will come to peanut feeders and bird tables. They are not found in the far North of Scotland.

Only a handful of pairs nest in Ireland, but numbers are increasing. Common in England and Wales.