Camera Critters - Woodpecker sees off Starling

Great Spotted Woodpeckers are frequently hugely outnumbered by flocks of Starlings and cannot compete in the clamorous feeding frenzy. No sooner have they seen off two or three Starlings than another six join in the fracas so they usually fly away and return when it's quieter. Occasionally and not often for long there may be just one or two Starlings on the feeder and then the Woodpecker can hold his own. Here a Woodpecker has pecked at a young Starling, removing a downy feather. The juvenile has decided that discretion is the better part of valour and is departing the scene.

Left in peace the Woodpecker drops the feather in order to feed.


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Thank you to Misty Dawn for organising this meme.