by Lesley McLaren
On this warm but misty morning in the woods of the lower slopes of the Albères, I was delighted to come upon three - or possibly four - Great Spotted Woodpeckers, all at the same time. Although I had no binoculars or camera with me (naturally), I did get reasonable views of two working their way up the same tree. At times, in between sounds of drumming, there was an almighty commotion - and racket - as they flew off in pursuit of one another.
The call they made surprised me, because it wasn't the tchick...tchick...tchick that I'm used to, but a fast, chattering rattle I've never heard before. I suppose it's the equivalent of the Green Woodpecker's laugh or 'yaffle' but, from memory, it more closely resembles a Great Spotted Cuckoo!
You can click on the 'video' below to hear it. I assume a dispute was in progress - over territory or a mate.
On this warm but misty morning in the woods of the lower slopes of the Albères, I was delighted to come upon three - or possibly four - Great Spotted Woodpeckers, all at the same time. Although I had no binoculars or camera with me (naturally), I did get reasonable views of two working their way up the same tree. At times, in between sounds of drumming, there was an almighty commotion - and racket - as they flew off in pursuit of one another.
The call they made surprised me, because it wasn't the tchick...tchick...tchick that I'm used to, but a fast, chattering rattle I've never heard before. I suppose it's the equivalent of the Green Woodpecker's laugh or 'yaffle' but, from memory, it more closely resembles a Great Spotted Cuckoo!
You can click on the 'video' below to hear it. I assume a dispute was in progress - over territory or a mate.
In view of all the drumming, most of which I imagine was experimental, it's no surprise that in the last week or so I've come across signs of fresh tree excavation. Below left, are the beginnings of a hole in the same dead tree where I was lucky enough to film young woodpeckers a few years ago (see my blog). That tree has since lost its top in a storm. I shall have to return to see if work on the hole has continued or been abandoned. The one in the photo on the right is, I think, unlikely to be used as a nest site as it's too close to a well-used track, and there will be no foliage in between to provide cover later in the season. Woodpeckers are shy and easily spooked so I'd be astounded if they persevere in that spot.
While on the subject of woodpeckers, a week ago I heard my first Wryneck of the year - just the once, so I think it might have been flying through to somewhere further north. It's strange that Robin always hears them in January near Céret, whereas here in the the Albères, I've never heard them before March. This makes me wonder if Robin's neck of the woods is on a special flight path for some that migrate extremely early. More should start turning up any day, I expect. By which time they will undoubtedly be impossible to see in the spring foliage that is now growing apace!
