Today on our neighborhood walk, we encountered this Hairy Woodpecker male excavating a new cavity in a utility pole. His mate was foraging in a tree 20 feet away.
Hairy Woodpeckers are known to both nest and roost within cavities. Given that we’re in breeding season, we assume he’s creating this hole-shaped haven to use as a nest. We’ll keep an eye on it during future walks!
After many minutes of hard work, watch below as he enters his newly created hole!
Hairy Woodpeckers are widespread – present year-round in every state (except Hawaii), as well as much of Canada, and parts of Mexico and Central America.
Tell us, have you observed a Hairy Woodpecker recently?
Yes, I heard a Hairy Woodpecker last Friday on Nun’s Canyon Road near Glen Ellen.
BTW, on that local birding trip I saw a Black Phoebe on a nest. Classic location—under a bridge, over a creek.
Yes! We have one one that forages on a Liquidamber tree outside our kitchen window. Loved the video.
Loved the video.
Why is it called Hairy?
Kind regards
Erica
Hairys have recently become rare at the feeders. I suspect they’re getting nesting urges but I haven’t found a nest yet.