March 28, 2010
Read MorePileated Woodpecker 002
Pileated woodpeckers never use the same nest twice. They completely construct a new one every year. Other critters such as owls, flying squirrels and ducks will use the old nests for their homes making the pileated an important link in the lives of other animals.
We have a new nest being built in an aspen tree behind our house. The male has been working all week on it. It takes many hours to chip out enough wood to finish the cavity. The inside of the cavity is about 10 inches across and 18 inches deep. The ground below is covered with the wood chips.Pileated Woodpecker 003
Bird books state that both the male and female make the nests but I have only seen the male constructing the nest. The male has the red mustache. From time to time the female flies in, gives a few words of encouragement and approval and the male gets back to work.
It is fun to watch as the male throws the chips over his shoulder. The nest should be finished by the end of this week. I am looking forward to photographing the babies later in June.