Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Joy and I had the chance to assist Kelly with the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) research. It was quite a treat to see the birds, the research, and the habitat.





A wider, landscape shot with Joy to give a sense of habitat. The area is fairly open and the soil is sandy and well drained.

Kelly at another nest tree.



A concerned parent checking on the nest. Notice the sap protecting the nest. Apparently that is not too effective, because we found several cases of nest predation. Most likely by an Eastern Corn Snake.

Two banded nestlings. They were weighed, measured, banded, and placed back in the nest. Their eyes were still closed, but they were vocal.

Using the ladders to get up to the nest cavity in a Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris).