a drumming woodpecker, early?

[michael23]

hi , went for a little walk through a local wood this morning, heard at least 2 GS woodpeckers calling and there was 1 bird drumming, i cant remember how early i have heard peckers drumming, is this the right sort of time or perhaps a little early?
also in the woods were a few nuthatches being very vocal, and a few tits but other than those it was surprisingly quiet.

[MichaelF]

I've occasionally heard them drum as early as the end of December, but they don't usually get going much until mid February. So early, but not exceptionally so.

[michael23]

I've occasionally heard them drum as early as the end of December, but they don't usually get going much until mid February. So early, but not exceptionally so.

thanks very much michael.

[Redwing]

I've occasionally heard them drum as early as the end of December, but they don't usually get going much until mid February. So early, but not exceptionally so.


I agree with this. I've heard one drumming this year so far.

[Steve Keen]

My first this winter, here in/on the edge of the New Forest was on 11th December, ten days earlier than last year, and regularly (if intermittently) since. They seem to prefer dull, drizzly days at this time of year; perhaps the low sounds travel better in those conditions.

[Odonate]

I heard my first on the 24th of December in Somerset. It was a nice sunny day but still it was a couple of weeks early

[Colin Key]

Might be different "up north", but down here GSW and LSW (and especially the latter) can be heard drumming throughout the year - although obviously more frequently and intently in the spring.

http://www.pbase.com/accentor/image/107260944.jpg

Colin

[MichaelF]

LSW
They don't exist up here any more :cry:

[michael23]

thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated :smile:
lovely pic colin.