Looking Up At A Downy . . .
. . . Woodpecker Constructing A Cavity Nest
The post tries to capture the process the little six-inch bird goes through caving out a shelter.
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He's carving it out on a Maple tree branch, 20 feet high, that had the end broken off in a wind storm.
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He does it hanging half upside down which will help keep rain out. It's also on the south side to capture warm breezes and shelter from cold north winds. Is this instinct, thought out, or luck?
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Stepping aside, he gives us a look inside and the perfectly round opening.
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The female arrives to give him a little break.
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She goes to work as well.
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He works inside to enlarge the cavity for 3 to 5 chicks.
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Working hard he's got wood chips and dust on his feathers. Backing out of the opening against the lay of the feathers really plays havoc with them.
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He works hanging half upside down, 8-10 hours a day, with only short breaks, 7 days a week, for 2-3 weeks. Hopefully they will have chicks and I'll try to post photos.
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Dr J
Loc: NE Florida
Really well done - interesting! Thank you!
John from gpwmi wrote:
. . . Woodpecker Constructing A Cavity Nest
The post tries to capture the process the little six-inch bird goes through caving out a shelter.
.
Those pics tell a great story!
Great set, John. The downloads are beautiful. Iām always amazed at how their nest entrance is such a perfect circle.
Great illustrated narrative. Well done.
John from gpwmi wrote:
. . . Woodpecker Constructing A Cavity Nest
The post tries to capture the process the little six-inch bird goes through caving out a shelter.
.
Really nice shots!! They are so cute!!
Gorgeous work here !.......thanks for sharing
John, these are great and most interesting.
Great educational series.š I was surprised at the perfectly round hole. I suspect the placement is an instinct that has been reinforced by centuries of success. Pretty smart bird. We put homes in many unsafe locations subject to landslides, floods and hurricanes for just a few.
Exceptional! Great pictures! And so informative and interesting!
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