On May 18, 2008 we spotted a red headed woodpecker in the garden. This is a first time sighting in the garden for us. He flitted between several feeders and sampled them all. We were hoping for a return visit but didn’t spot it again. It was another lens friend to check off our list.
While researching this bird, I discovered that the populations of the red headed woodpecker has declined 60% in Ontario in the past 20 years due to loss of habitat. The bird is now protected under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
This is a medium sized woodpecker (about 20 cm. long) is noticed immediately by its all red head.
They eat insects, berries, seeds and nuts. It was a joy to watch.
