Drumming Away

red-headed woodpecker atop a bare wooden pole

Location: 42nd Avenue South and Nawadaha Boulevard

This Pileated Woodpecker led the way, pecking away on various utility poles along my neighborhood walk. Referred to as “drumming,” it establishes their territories and attracts or signals mates. The display drum consists of a burst of 11 to 30 taps delivered in less than a second.

Photo: Brian Donahue