Dead trees are great for Downy Woodpecker, the Northern Flicker, and other woodpeckers. For one thing as the tree decomposes it provides for nutrients for new plants such as huckleberries and other berries that woodpeckers may like.
Additionally, dead trees make for a great place for insects which will create insect holes in order to raise their young. This, in turn will attract woodpeckers which will dig the insects out of the tree.
Eventually the Northern Flicker will create holes up to 2-1/2 inches in width, while the Downy Woodpecker will create a hole 1-1/2 inch wide. Both woodpeckers will tunnel six to eight inches in the dead tree. Wood shavings are added making this a great place to have and raise their young!
Downy Woodpecker Houses, Flicker Houses and Starling Resistant Flicker Houses are also available. Sawdust and wood shavings can be added to fill the house to encourage the woodpecker to excavate. This will also keep invasive birds, like the Starling out of the house as those types of birds will not excavate.
Woodpeckers like to “drum” in an effort to attract a mate. Sometimes this is done on a house as opposed to a tree. If this happens, and you would like to discourage the Flicker from drumming on your house, put a few shiny balloons in the area of your house where the flicker has been. The bright reflection should deter them.
Adding dead snags, as mentioned earlier, is likely to encourage them to stay in the bush and not on your house.
Upside Down Feeders are great for woodpeckers in addition to peanut feeders. Additionally you can take part of a tree and cut the trunk about two feet in length. Drill some holes in the trunk about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in width. Fill the holes with woodpecker suet or peanut butter, then hang your new log feeder. This will be appreciated by your woodpeckers.
