I see the measurments for making them on different sites and books but was wondering if anyone here tried it. I did read that certain types do not like man made ones but not sure how true that would be. I was mainly thinking of Downys and Red Bellied Woodpeckers. Thanks!
Pelle,
Don't know about house for Woodpeckers, sorry. Your pic is great!!!
Hi, pelle, I did a lot of research last year on just this question
The lady at the Wild Bird store here told me to save my money--so she was pretty frank about it--even though there are some so-called woodpecker houses offered at her place and on the internet.
http://www.shawcreekbirdsupply.com/woodpecker.htm
http://www.duncraft.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=1266&step=4
I asked on the Cincinnati Bird Club Message Board about creating a Red-headed woodpecker trail similar to the Bluebird trails that helped in the comeback of the BB and they said save the energy.
II think one of the big issues with the bird houses for woodpeckers is that they create another place for (the unwanted) starlings to nest.
And BTW the red-bellied woodpecker is considered a bit of a thug and doesn't need much encouragement to hang around either.
That's basically what I recall from my checking it out. I will be interested to hear about your project and anyone else who has Woodpecker houses. (I would like to know especially about RHWOs).
LOL, I love my Thug (RBW); he goes after the Starlings (my hero).
Yea, I was pretty sure I would hear that same thing about the houses not working for them.Thanks tab!
Pelle - fabulous picture!
Thank you!
Great picture! I haven't looked at the nesting areas of the woodpeckers. Guess you have them nest in your are? What kinds?
Oh, I love the houses with the metal around the holes, that would be a great deterant to squirrels, etc. But I can't see me paying that for a birdhouse.
Hi Sheila, Yes we have a number of woodpeckers in our area but in my own backyard I've only seen Red Bellied, Downy and Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers.
pelle-- FYI here's an article about Woodpeckers and nest boxes written by Dr. Jackson who is the foremost authority on Woodpeckers in the nation (or something like that)
http://www.alaweb.com/~kenwood/saba/birdinfo/woodpeck.htm
He covers some good info.
p.s. I like my red-bellieds too. They are so cute and the do keep the starlings a bit humble!
Your question about woodpeckers got me going on the Ivory-billed WP, too. I haven't heard much recent news....
Aw pelle you've outdone yourself! What a great pic of Downey! Bingo!
Thanks Everyone!
