Woodpecker stories...

During the rainy season I didn't see many Woodpeckers in the forest but now it looks like they are everywhere and they seem to be having a busy time, I guess, like other birds, there is or will be new babies soon to be fed, so there is no time to waste...yes, the days are sunny now and there is food to eat in the rainforest!

Lately, when taking a stroll on my usual path at RDC, I bumped into this cute, speedy Buff-rumped Woodpecker couple ( 15cm) pecking vigorously into a hollow tree trunk...building a home maybe?

And just half-an hour later a very loud  and large (42 cm) White-bellied Woodpecker female arrived, again, starting vigorously (with stronger but slower movements) pecking into a tree trunk giving me that "mind your own business" look...Ok, just a couple of photos and I'm gone, friend!

 

 

 

As soon as I turned my back to this determined Woodpecker, I could hear a tapping sound -but no big bird around! - just this tiny ( 10 cm), but fierce Rufous Piculet-male pecking into some smaller twigs and vines for insects...such beautiful iridescent colors of green and golden-orange.  It's somehow a mysterious little Woodpecker...apparently,  an Iban omen bird.

 

 

 

 

 

Just maybe a few weeks ago, rainy season nearly gone, this mid-sized (27cm), colorful Checker-throated Woodpecker was busy pecking around all day. Only later afternoon I could see her finally disappear into the home nest for a well-deserved rest.

 

 

 

 

 

Soon, after her disappearance, this little (14cm), active Grey-and-buff Woodpecker made its way for some insects from the tree trunk.

 

 

 

 

 

...and much earlier, same day and nearby, this Rufous Woodpecker (21cm) was having after-breakfast rest in the shade of a lower tree branch keeping an eye on her mate still looking for that extra snack nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

...and as usual, ignoring me totally, the Buff-necked Woodpecker (21cm) was occupied with ants on the tree bark.

 

 

 

 

 

Must be just last week when this Maroon Woodpecker appeared on the roadside making its presence clearly heard for all - an omen call of the Dayaks, they say.  One day this week, actually, I could hear this loud chattering sound in the morning thinking first it must be a sound of a big bird...instead, this mid-sized (23cm) bird appeared in front of me.

 

 

 

Still so many Woodpecker species around...

 

Time to pack my photographing instruments and call the driver; my restless soul yearns back to the rainforest.

 

Enjoy,

 

Paula Camilleri