Cathy Dobson
A pair of rare red-headed woodpeckers and their hatchlings had a close call in Canatara Park recently.
But all is well thanks to the quick action of a local woman and city officials.
Jane Hunter was out for a morning walk with her dog when she saw two city works trucks parked on Lake Chipican Drive close to some dead poplar trees.
Hunter, a prominent artist who frequently draws inspiration from the park, was aware that two red-headed woodpeckers had excavated a hole in one of the trees and were nesting there.
“They showed up to eat our suet in the backyard (feeder),” said Hunter, who has always enjoyed the multitude of birds that populate Canatara.
“Later, I learned that they’re endangered.”
Red-headed woodpeckers have been passing through park each year, but no one can recall them nesting there.
The work crew Hunter saw that morning was clearing dead wood prior to Canada Day celebrations. When she saw they intended to cut the poplar down she pointed out the nest.
“They listened, but said they had orders to follow,” Hunter said. “So I called the city and the man who answered the phone took an interest. He cared about the birds the way I do.”
City horticulturalist Lance Allen arrived in minutes and identified the red-headed woodpeckers, which are listed as birds of special concern under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.
“In the end, they left the trees alone,” said Hunter. “I think that’s really great. It was just luck that I saw the trucks before anything happened. I am very impressed with city staff.”
A dozen bird watchers who regularly visit the park also appreciated Hunter’s intervention, says group member Sharon Nethercott.
“We’re all very pleased she stepped in and the city listened,” she said. “To my knowledge, this is the first time red-headed woodpeckers have nested there in a very long time.”
Nethercott said the pair had drilled a hole in a hydro pole near the park’s Rotary Children’s playground this spring, but apparently gave up and moved to the poplars.
The removal of dead trees in which the birds nest has contributed to a more than 60% decline in their numbers in Ontario over the past 20 years, the Natural Resources Ministry says.
“I’ve heard Canatara referred to as the Pelee Island of the North,” said Nethercott.
“We were lucky that Jane came by just at the right time,” said fellow birder Brenda Lorenz. “This tree near Lake Chipican obviously suited their fancy.”
Lorenz is hopeful the woodpeckers will feast on gypsy moth caterpillars and help keep the population in check.
“It’s a real thrill that the birds are there,” she said. “I love that Canatara is on a flyway. We get the same birds as Pelee with far less people.”