Pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers vs a flying squirrel
Apr 15, 2022 20:09:15 #
Earlier this spring I watched a male Red-bellied Woodpecker dig a hole in a dead ash tree in our front yard. It progressed into a full nest hole, the female showed up to help, inspected the work, and all seemed well.
Since all the hard work had been done, a pair of starlings then came and decided that location would be good for them. I thought they had settled in.
Lo and behold, a small flying squirrel wanted it too, and forced them out.
Now to the present, the woodpeckers are back and are trying to reclaim their nest.
Here is the pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers:
Birds14Apr2022_207print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
At various times they each take a turn flying to the hole and looking in:
Birds14Apr2022_240print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Birds14Apr2022_231print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Birds14Apr2022_232print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Eventually this provokes an angry reaction from the squirrel. So far it has always been in there when the woodpeckers show up.
Birds14Apr2022_242print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Here is another try:
Birds14Apr2022_364print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Birds14Apr2022_277print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Birds14Apr2022_365print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
In the midst of all this flurry the male took an opportunity to investigate another existing hole lower down on a broken branch of the same tree. He went all the way in, turned around, and stuck his head back out. This may be their backup plan if the squirrel eviction is not successful.
It will be interesting to see how it all goes this summer!
Birds14Apr2022_322print by Marshall Smith, on Flickr
Marshall
Since all the hard work had been done, a pair of starlings then came and decided that location would be good for them. I thought they had settled in.
Lo and behold, a small flying squirrel wanted it too, and forced them out.
Now to the present, the woodpeckers are back and are trying to reclaim their nest.
Here is the pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers:
Birds14Apr2022_207print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrAt various times they each take a turn flying to the hole and looking in:
Birds14Apr2022_240print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrBirds14Apr2022_231print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrBirds14Apr2022_232print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrEventually this provokes an angry reaction from the squirrel. So far it has always been in there when the woodpeckers show up.
Birds14Apr2022_242print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrHere is another try:
Birds14Apr2022_364print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrBirds14Apr2022_277print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrBirds14Apr2022_365print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrIn the midst of all this flurry the male took an opportunity to investigate another existing hole lower down on a broken branch of the same tree. He went all the way in, turned around, and stuck his head back out. This may be their backup plan if the squirrel eviction is not successful.
It will be interesting to see how it all goes this summer!
Birds14Apr2022_322print by Marshall Smith, on FlickrMarshall
Apr 15, 2022 20:42:25 #
therwol
Loc: USA
bluezzzzz wrote:
Earlier this spring I watched a male Red-bellied W... (show quote)
This is an amazing set, not only for the story it tells but also for the fact that you actually managed to photograph a flying squirrel. I've only seen one in my life. When I was a kid, some other kids were chopping down a tree that looked a lot like this one, and in a flash, the squirrel inside was airborne. Most excellent capture.
Apr 15, 2022 21:01:52 #
therwol wrote:
This is an amazing set, not only for the story it tells but also for the fact that you actually managed to photograph a flying squirrel. I've only seen one in my life. When I was a kid, some other kids were chopping down a tree that looked a lot like this one, and in a flash, the squirrel inside was airborne. Most excellent capture.
I didn't even know what I was seeing, didn't realize we have flying squirrels here in KY!
Glad you liked the story, more to come this summer, I hope.
Marshall
Apr 15, 2022 21:15:22 #
Apr 15, 2022 21:23:22 #
jdtonkinson wrote:
Really great set I've never seen a flying squirrel before.
That makes two of us!
Marshall
Apr 15, 2022 21:45:22 #
Apr 15, 2022 21:52:44 #
Apr 15, 2022 22:14:58 #
Wow what a great action set. I can understand the Woodpecker's reaction. If I built a house and someone moved into it I'd be angry too
Apr 15, 2022 22:56:32 #
bluezzzzz wrote:
Earlier this spring I watched a male Red-bellied W... (show quote)
Great set! Great story!!
Apr 15, 2022 23:55:22 #
Apr 16, 2022 07:53:18 #
Excellent captures. Very few people see flying squirrels because they are nocturnal. This squirrel didn't appreciate being awakened.
Apr 16, 2022 08:16:39 #
Apr 16, 2022 08:20:02 #
bluezzzzz wrote:
Earlier this spring I watched a male Red-bellied W... (show quote)
Nice shots Marshall
Apr 16, 2022 08:57:38 #
Apr 16, 2022 09:55:21 #
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