While the migration of our summer songbirds is now complete, there are still wonderful opportunities for birding in The Parklands.  And this is a great activity for company to do over the holidays when cabin fever has everyone about to go stir crazy.

One of my favorite birds in the park is now very active and very visible – the pileated woodpecker.  About the same size as a crow, I find this woodpecker to be one of the most stunning year-round resident birds in Kentucky. From its size, its call, and its LOUD rapping when working on a piece of wood, this forest resident is exciting to see even for the most reticent bird viewer.

Late fall is a great time to see these guys as the leaves are off the trees and you can track them through their very persistent and loud calls – usually made in flight.  Some great spots to see pileated woodpeckers in action is near the Park Administration Building at Pope Lick Park and along the Coppiced Woods and Sycamore Trails in Beckley Creek Park.  And if you’re fortunate enough to get a good photo of one of these guys, please post it on our facebook page.

Check out the link below to hear their call:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pileated_woodpecker/sounds

We have a very active woodpecker who lives near the Parklands Administration Building in Pope Lick Park. He often knocks on our walls (and even doors!) and has been affectionately named “Fred” by staff. Here’s a peek at Fred perched in our window from last summer: 

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