On the Wildside: Woodpeckers in the wildlife garden

Now whether this choice is influenced by smell or simply by visual recognition (the two being very slightly different in appearance), I cannot say. However, the birds find a combination of suet dumplings and dried mealworms simply irresistible. Spherical hanging feeders of mealworms are emptied by a mixture of house sparrows, starlings, blue tits and great tits, blackbirds, and the robin.

Indeed, the local robin will now come when called if I sprinkle dried mealworms on the sundial. But equally a prime draw are these suet dumplings in various hanging feeders, and along with suspended suet bars.

The male great spotted woodpecker has been especially drawn to these and, from being rather shy and retiring, has grown far bolder. He used to fly into the top of the garden and then play hide-and-seek behind feeders or other objects, just occasionally peeping out to check the coast was clear. This was prior to making a hit-and-run grab on the peanut holders, and then making a getaway.

He is now a transformed character and has gradually become more and more confident to the point where he comes close to the house to the nearest hanging feeders. Furthermore, whereas before he would fly off at the first sign of anyone indoors moving, he now stays put.

I know that woodpeckers can become quite tame and have seen them fed by hand and coming when called by name – in the mountains of Jamaica. This was at a famous nature reserve up in the forested area well out of town, and I don’t expect to have the same result here in my own garden. However, this is a nice beginning and I now await the arrival of this year’s youngsters with their red caps. Also, this week, I heard a green woodpecker ‘yaffling’ in nearby Oakes Park, a pleasant surprise.

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer & broadcaster on wildlife & environmental issues, is contactable on [email protected]; follow Ian’s blog (https://ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/) and Twitter @IanThewildside