Unlike many birds whose numbers are in decline, woodpecker populations have increased markedly within the past decade.

No doubt the hurricane winds of 1987 and 1990 were a contributory factor, with more fallen timber around which is now sensibly left on site by woodland management and not "tidied away" as was the case several years ago.

The bulky green woodpecker can often be seen "anting" on open ground whereas the sparrow-sized lesser spotted woodpecker is rather elusive and much less common than its larger but similarly marked relative, the starling-sized great spotted woodpecker.

The latter is a handsome bird with black and white plumage and the male is identified by his red neck patch. This is the species which can be heard drumming rapidly on resonant boughs in the spring, the sound being more of a territorial statement than a search for food. The tail feathers are exceptionally stiff and serve as a prop to assist the bird to perch upright on a vertical trunk. Furthermore, the feet have evolved whereby two toes point forwards and two backwards, a format designed to enhance balance and grip.

The flight of the woodpeckers is deeply undulating as they fly from tree to tree and the great spotted utters a frequent short, sharp "pikpik" as it goes about its business, quite a give-away when searching for the bird in the crown of a tree. The great spotted woodpecker has increased its range to breed in leafy gardens. It is not averse to raiding other bird's nests and a few years ago one of my nest boxes was attacked, the incumbent bluetit killed and her eggs broken. Otherwise, they have learned to take advantage of peanut feeders to add to their diet of insects.

By TONY DRAKEFORD

November 30, 2001 12:30