Great spotted woodpecker

[Jules001]

In my garden I have a hollowed out log bird box which was put up a few months ago, over the last few days I have watched a GS woodpecker at the entrance to the bird box obviously enlarging the hole. I can understand why it would do this if there were chicks inside but at this time of year what is he likely to be doing. I don't mind him enlarging the hole if I am going to get woody making a home in it but it isn't nesting time for them. otherwise I will get a metal plate to go over the hole so the tits can nest in there, but wanted to catch it before the hole gets too large - can anyone explain why it would do this at this time of year? Definitely not just getting insects or sap have I just got a vandal of a woody?

[LoftyLottie]

Woodpeckers roost singly at night in tree holes regardless of whether it is nesting time or not. He is obviously making himself a superior batchelor pad in your nesting box!!

[wolf63]

Surely you aren't going to evict the poor wee lad just before Christmas. How cruel. He might move his new Mrs and the chicks in next year.

[Jules001]

thanks for that info Lofty, I didn't know that.

Don't worry Wolf - I won't evict him, I would love him to move in and take up residency, as long as he is not just vandalising my nest box, he is more than welcome :)

[angiebaby57]

Lucky you...they are beautiful. Treasure and nurture him! I once saw one in my garden, but only for a few seconds and he never came back!