Just had to share this with someone who would appreciate it! I live in Peterborough at 29 Weller Crescent. Today, October 22, at around 11:00 am, a Pileated Woodpecker landed on the chain link fence and ate the berries from the Virginia Creeper. I was able to watch him for a couple of minutes, and got to within about 20 feet. I was so struck by the perfect colour swatch on his head and the lines on his face. I don’t remember ever seeing one in the 22 years we have lived here. What a gift on a beautiful day! Now, back to cutting down the buckthorns in the woodsy back part of the yard!  Cathy Gogo

We always have Pileated Woodpeckers around our place on Buckhorn Lake. Usually they are on the cedar trees and all those trees are still standing with many holes in them. Tonight, October 6, they were on the maple trees. Curious as to why, but obviously they are finding insects. Wondering how healthy those trees are? Derry Fairweather, Buckhorn Lake
Note: I suspect there are carpenter ants in the maples. This doesn’t mean the trees are dying, however. D.M.

Pileated Woodpecker on maple – Oct. 2017 – Derry Fairweather


Drew Monkman

I am a retired teacher, naturalist and writer with a love for all aspects of the natural world, especially as they relate to seasonal change.