Bird lore - Project Puffin

Observations on Woodpeckers 359
game. Generally, the white rump-patch is displayed in time to save Mr.
Flicker. In the fall the Flicker is perhaps the most numerous of any of the
Woodpeckers in the Upper Peninsula, being found on nearly every road and
trail, feeding upon ants and bugs and worms that are found upon the ground.
In the spring and summer the Flicker keeps more to the woods and is not so
noticeable. It is probable that, in the fall flocks, there are many birds which
nest farther north. Few Flickers remain here throughout the long winter.
On the large forest and game preserve of Grand Island, the Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker is the predominating member of the family, and its cat-like call can
be heard at almost any time in the spring and summer. There are evidences
of its destructive work everywhere on the island, and many young trees have
been girdled by this sole harmful member of the Woodpecker family. It seems
to prefer the young hemlock, basswood, mountain ash, paper birch and shad.
The more valuable timber, such as the sugar maple and yellow birch, is not
often touched. Nevertheless, steps should be taken to reduce the numbers of
this bird on the island, for its work is plainly detrimental. On the mainland
the Sapsucker does not seem to be very common.
A few years ago the Red-headed Woodpecker was almost unknown in the
Upper Peninsula, but every year sees an increase in its numbers. Especially
is this true on the cut-over lands and those lands which have been recently
opened to agriculture. The bird is not found in the deep forests.
Throughout the year, the Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers give us their
steadiest company and, by their numbers, perform the most efficient service
of this very valuable family of birds.