Great Spotted Woodpecker Family.......bringing new life to the woods
Dad of the Year 2025.......this incredible father (on the right) is looking thin and absolutely drained after single handedly, bringing up 5 chicks! The Great Spotted Woodpecker is one of our most striking woodland birds, instantly recognisable by its distinctive black and white plumage and powerful drumming sounds that echo through forests. These remarkable birds have successfully adapted to various habitats, from ancient woodlands to urban parks, making them a familiar sight to many. What makes these woodpeckers particularly fascinating is their incredible physical adaptations. They can 'peck' at trees at speeds of up to 16 times per second without getting concussions, thanks to special shock absorbing tissue in their skulls. Great Spotted Woodpeckers inhabit various wooded environments, from deciduous and mixed woodlands to urban parks and gardens. They show a particular preference for mature woodlands with plenty of dead or dying trees, which provide both fo...