Hints of springtime have been evident in the winter woods here and there, and a few migrants have made brief appearances, but the woodpeckers are proving to be the most steadfast and reliable workers in the whole forest.
On an early morning walk or a noontime stroll, the woodpeckers are always working at some woodworking project, mostly in search of insects in the bark or other sustenance. The sound of their pecking pierces the quiet surroundings.
Downy Woodpeckers seem to hold a slight edge in terms of numbers in Inwood Hill Park, but Hairy Woodpeckers may be found here, too, enough for observers to sort out the distinctions between the two. A turn of the head, and the longer beak on the Hairy Woodpecker presents itself. So, too, does its slightly larger size.
The Downy often seems a little shy and reserved, while the Hairy comes off as more athletic. Nevertheless, the woodpeckers are so busy and fast moving that they are frequently hard to distinguish.
After nearly a year of close observation, I am almost ready to declare the Red-bellied Woodpecker the Spirit of the Forest. Yes, we have the adorable Eastern Screech-Owl here again now, and the Great Egret rules the summer marsh, but the Red-bellied Woodpecker seems to be the bird for all seasons, announcing its presence with vocal shrieks and cries. As it quickly leaps from tree to tree, it makes its presence known, especially with that bright flash of red head feathers. When it moves, and often oddly, to a new tree, it will cling to it and peck at the bark as opposed to a hard drilling.
While painting the Red-bellied Woodpecker, I recalled that I have seen several of them in the park. There’s the one that hangs out near the northern entrance to the Clove path and another that frequents the area between the dog run and the tennis courts. I often hear another at the top of the easternmost hill. They are bold birds with striking black and white stripes. The males have both a red crown and nape while the females do not sport the red crown. They are highly entertaining and will come to your feeder if you have one.
Cover: Woodpecker in the Clove of Inwood Hill Park. February 26, 2024. Can you guess which one – the Downy or the Hairy?
Related post – Woodpeckers Own This Place.
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March 2024 Sightings
Please visit the March 2024 Sightings page for regular sightings. In addition to birds, a Harbor Seal stopped by the dock at Muscota Marsh in the first week of March for a visit. The last time one visited, it caused quite a stir in the neighborhood.
Birds of Inwood 