Woodpecker Freedom

This black-cheeked woodpecker was found among the devastation of hurricane Earl by the wonderful people at Caves Branch. Thankfully not injured, but he was young and had probably been in a cavity nest that was destroyed in the storm. He has always been a very eager pecker, although as with all babies he did not always peck at appropriate objects! He was flying around very soon after we got him and eating almost everything offered. After a couple of weeks of practice, the time came for him to try to fend for himself, so we took him back to Caves Branch for release. Ella Baron and two of her wonderful staff joined us, guiding us to the best and most appropriate release site. He flew up onto an old cohune tree and happened to land on the other other side of bark from a tree frog, which he promptly started pecking. The frog did not seem too happy about that, but our inappropriate woodpecker was having fun. Even if the frog wan't overjoyed about the new neighbour, we enjoyed returning him to his home and watching him start his life there. Thanks to Ian, Ella and the Caves Branch crew once again!