Calling woodpeckers

The first time you see a Pileated Woodpecker in the wild, your first thought is probably "my goodness, that thing is big." The average Pileated is between 16-19 inches from beak to tail, and can have a wingspan of up to 30 inches. We have our share of large birds out here, including crows, turkey buzzards, red tailed hawks and other large scavengers and raptors. What Pileated Woodpeckers can do that these others can't is fly with precision and intent through forests. Seen from below, they look like flying darts with short, furled wings. The attached video gives you a sense of their agility. (Video source: David Nolin at BirdViewing.com)


Pileated Woodpeckers are territorial birds and will defend their turf from interlopers. That's where the fun comes in.

Myxer is a site that lets mobile users download free ringtones, games, wallpapers, etc. They have the usual expected provocative, improper and rude content, but they also have a variety of nature ringtones that you can download directly to your mobile. And that's where I got this:

More from eNature.com at Myxer

So far, I've successfully "called in" the male Pileated Woodpecker a total of 3-4 times. I first listen for his unique call, indicating he's within 100 yards of me. I then play the ringtone loudly, pointing the speaker in the general direction of his call. About once every four attempts, the male will come flying over my head in an attempt to find the interloper and chase him off. Once overhead, he'll usually fly onward and light on a tree about 50 yards out of range, trying to figure out where the intruder's call came from.


Part of me feels bad, because I'm intentionally getting the male all flustered and ready to defend his forest and mate. However, watching him fly overhead reminds me just how cool this place is and how many more great experiences there are to come.