Over a two-week period in late October 2008, I have heard an occasional annoying banging. At first I put it down to some youngsters messing about in the old lane at the back of the wood and ignored it.

One day, as I was having a cup of coffee in my car I heard it again. Deciding that enough was enough, I decided to investigate.

When I got out into the open, I found that, instead of the sound being rather distant and muted it was actually rather nearby and loud. It was, in fact, coming from a somewhat scrawny Birch tree where I had placed a wooden nestbox. This box has a small diameter entrance hole: so that only birds like bluetits should be able to enter.

What I found was a Great Spotted Woodpecker going "hammer and tongs" in order to make the hole big enough for his own convenience.

Although whether he intends it as a winter roost or as a boudoir for a prospective "Mrs Woodpecker" in spring I don't know. I hope that he finishes soon as it's like having the builders working next door.

First sighting - 2008 (Nov.)

highest annual counts:

         2008  - 1 

         2009  -

         2010  - 1 (drumming)