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Community Corner

The Champion Chiseler

Unveiling the Secrets of the Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker (Hugh Vandervoort)


With its bold black and white markings, impressive drumming skills, and a persistent work ethic, the Hairy Woodpecker is a familiar sight and sound in North American forests. More than just another woodpecker, this "champion chiseled" is a master excavator, an ecological asset, and a captivating resident of woodlands and backyards. From its powerful beak to its strategic drilling techniques, the Hairy Woodpecker holds a story waiting to be explored.Hairy woodpeckers are aptly named. Their strong bodies and sharp, chisel-like beaks are perfectly adapted for excavating cavities in trees. They use their powerful drumming to communicate and defend territories, but also to loosen insect prey hidden beneath the bark. Witnessing a Hairy Woodpecker hammering away at a tree trunk, wood chips flying in all directions, reveals their remarkable skills in creating homes and extracting hidden treats. Listen foir the distinbctive tap, tap of this woodpecker in most local parks.

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