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HomeCommunity CalendarGypsy moths and Emerald Ash Borers killed trees that attract Pileated Woodpeckers

Gypsy moths and Emerald Ash Borers killed trees that attract Pileated Woodpeckers

Article and Photographs submitted on 3/31/2022 by Scott Brinckerhoff

Here are two shots from this morning’s visit by a pileated woodpecker.

The devastation caused by gypsy moths and emerald ash borers killed oaks and other trees throughout our region, but birds like this pileated woodpecker are finding a bonanza of insect life in the dead wood. This male was hammering away at a tree on the edge of Cockaponset forest and later moved to another oak, shown here, and began excavating a nesting cavity.  He was joined briefly by his mate, but whether she approved of his efforts isn’t clear yet.

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