Spotted, A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker x 2.

[Lonnie]

I count myself very fortunate, this morning, around 6.30, walking to the station, (work), I heard what sounded like a really loud drill, but that time of a Sunday morning, I realised it had to be a Woodpecker, I was expecting a Green or Greater Spotted.

There was only one tree around, almost no leaves on it, which made it a bit easier to spot, I'd never seen a Lesser Spotted before, Magic, Watched it for a couple of minutes before it flew off, then another movement in the tree, and there was another, which I assume was its mate, it took off after the first.

Sorry for the story, but I wanted to share that with you.

[Thunderbird+]

Dont be sorry Lonnie, I too have had the rare privilage to see these lesser spotted woodies, they mostly tend to frequent the very tops of trees and are only about sparrow size, so they really are spotted less often. (obviously a referance to the size though ;�)
I remember on one occaision, when walking through the woods, seeing one fly onto a silver birch tree about 15ft in front of my at about head height. It almost seemed to dassapear and was perfectly camauflaged against the bark, I watched it for about 5 minutes before it flew off.
I love to hear them drumming at this time of year, aint nature great! Keep your eyes peeled! Tbird+

[horsestache1]

Lucky you Lonnie, I heard a woodpecker at about 8.30 this morning, but I could'nt see it no matter hoe hard I tried. I heard it (or its mate) again about an hour later, but still no luck in seeing it!!!!!!! So no idea which one it was.

But I did see a large bright yellow butterfly, not up on butterfly's but it was great to see, just hope it means the weather's getting warmer.

[Robinia]

yes, lucky you Lonnie!
One of my sons told me he had a woodpecker in the trees next to his house & I was full of enthusiasm, as you are....but his reply was 'No, it's not great. It waits until I get in from working nights, draw the curtains & get into bed & then it starts it's pneumatic drilling.' ...Oops.

[burnhal]

Have you ever tried the banging on a tree trunk with a large stick routine? If you are somewhere where there are likely to be woodpeckers, give it a go (generally wait til there is no-one else around as you look a bit of a pret doing it!) Tried it once last year and got a whole family of Greater Spotteds- 2 adults and 3 young- come along to investigate! Not quite the lesser spotted though- only see them rarely but always exciting to see them

[burnhal]

prat- not pret!!

[Lonnie]

Thanks all for your wonderful replies, and that was a special moment for me, as I said, that was the first time i'd ever seen one.

Tbird+, Yes, nature is marvellous, I have the Greater Spotted on large my nut feeder, comes in at least once a day, and the way it curls itself round the feeder is a sight to behold, also had a green one come in, not for a couple of years now, my wife saw the mother and chick, wish I was home then.
Magic.

horsestache1,
That Butterfly was probably a Yellow Brimstone, have a look at this and see, Lucky you.
http://www.butterflygarden.co.uk/butterflies/b rimstone.htm

Robina,
Your tale made me chuckle, a wonderful story, I bet your son really loves the bird.

burnhal,
never heard of that, but its a good idea, although where I live, the residents would probably have the men in white coats after me, but i'll keep that in mind next time I go to a country park.