I think I’ve just spotted my first greater spotted woodpecker on my garden table, very distinctive markings, so excited (Bolton)!
How lovely to get a woodpecker in your garden Barbara; adult males will have red on their nape (behind the top of their head, neck) and also under the rump area whereas adult females will have no red on their head/neck at all, only under their rump. Juveniles start with a red cap to the top of their head and then start moulting into their adult plumage during the autumn/winter months when males will gain the red nape and female will with have no red on the head/nape. They are very attractive birds so hope you continue to get visits from them.