An NCLC member shared this terrific photo of an adult Red-headed Woodpecker. Red-headed woodpeckers are endangered in the state of Connecticut. It is one of the rarest breeding birds in the state.

What does this woodpecker have in common with squirrels? This bird stashes food. Four of the 23 woodpecker species in North America are known to store food, but only the red-headed woodpecker covers its stash with wood or bark. These birds will stash insects, seeds, and acorns into cracks in trees, fence posts, and even shingles. They are also strong fliers and able to catch insects, like grasshoppers, in flight.

Red-headed woodpeckers breed in deciduous forests of oak or beech and depend on dead or dying trees to build their nests. The decline in Connecticut is due to habitat loss as pasture, woodlots, orchards, and beaver swamps have been lost to development and other land use changes. As a regional land trust, NCLC strives to protect and connect the varied habitats found in our state.

Have you seen a spectacular bird lately? We love to hear reports from members.