More on Woodpeckers.....

Even though it was a little later than yesterday morning, again I heard the resounding tapping of the woodpecker this morning! Getting concerned about what he was actually doing out there, I decided to educate myself on this clamorous bird. Here is some of what I found interesting:

Have you ever been awakened at dawn by a woodpecker jackhammering the side of your house? Rather than proclaiming their territories like songbirds, woodpeckers peck or tap rapidly on objects to make a loud noise that is recognized by other woodpeckers. This is called "drumming" and differs from pecking for food or nest holes because it does not often make a hole--it just makes a loud racket. Drumming usually starts in late winter and continues into spring. Sometimes woodpeckers choose gutters, siding, or other metal surfaces as drumming spots because they can get a louder sound from them. This might be great for the woodpecker, but few people will tolerate this for more than a few consecutive mornings. The best way to combat the behavior is to put something over the drumming spot, like a piece of foam rubber, which dulls the sound. If the spot no longer makes a loud noise when hammered, the bird will soon move on in search of another, better location.

I am realizing now that he is tapping on my metal gutters that are right outside of my second story bedroom and that is why the noise is so deafening!

Reading on, I find that my state, Alabama, actually likes these critters...what were they thinking?

Each state has officially adopted certain plants and animals as symbols to set it apart and enhance its image. For example, Mississippi has the Southern magnolia as its state tree and--along with Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Texas--the mockingbird as its state bird. It is easy to see why the longleaf pine is Alabama's state tree, but did you know that we are unique among the 50 states in having a woodpecker as our state bird? We see the familiar "yellowhammer" depicted everywhere, from phone books and highway maps to the new "Alabama Forests" license plate. That bird has become part of Alabama’s history and cultural identity. We are, in a sense, the Woodpecker State.

"The Woodpecker State"? How embarrassing!

Couldn't we have been designated "The Education State", or "The Happy To See You State", or "The Southern Drawl State", or even "The Collard Greens State", or .....?

Well, you learn something new every day.... I wonder if they sell gutter-shaped foam rubber at the Dollar Store? : )