Woodpecker damage

Box 18

If you have been watching the bird nesting boxes, you will have seen the holes chiselled into some of them by the Great Spotted Woodpeckers. 

It is not clear whether the woodpeckers are trying to raid the boxes and steal the chicks or if they are using them as amplifiers for their territorial drumming. They may also be looking for a suitable hollow space for their own nest. On balance, as only the active boxes have been damaged, I would venture that they are mostly predating the chicks.

Box 19

Some of the damage is very minor, as if the bird simply wanted to proclaim its presence. At number 19, the resident pair of Blue Tits continue to feed their chicks. Perhaps they mounted a spirited defence and drove the woodpecker away before it could breach the box.

Box 22

Other examples are extensive. Number 22 was damaged to such an extent that the birds could no longer risk nesting there and were forced to move on. The box was repaired, but the tits didn't return. There has been no further damage since which indicates that the woodpeckers no longer have any interest in the box.

Box 14

The Great Tits at number 14 have yet to make their decision about whether or not to persevere.

Box 20

No such luxury for the birds in box number 20 which has been destroyed and had all the stuffing pulled out of it.

Box 7

It appears that the woodpeckers aim at the joint between the two parts of the front face and frequently slightly to the left of the hole. This style of box is from Wilko and has the facility to convert into an open-fronted box by removing the upper piece with the hole in it. This would make the box attractive to robins and wrens.

Box 1

There are other boxes which do not have this joint. Some of these are also hosting active nests but none of them have been damaged. Most of them are also built from more robust materials which may deter the woodpeckers. 7 out of the 11 Wilko boxes have been damaged.

Box 5

We have to accept that the woodpeckers will predate the boxes, after all, they have chicks of their own to feed. But it is difficult to stomach when you have been watching the Blue Tits as they choose a box, then build, lay and feed their new family, only to see them despair as their nest fails.

It poses a question for next season when the nests are replaced. The Wilko box is obviously popular amongst the birds, but it is not secure against the woodpecker. The more robust "Made in Bicknor" boxes have attracted fewer nesting birds, but offer greater protection. Perhaps a new design is needed.