Lesser-spotted woodpeckers

It must be the warm winter weather that has resulted in the early start of one of the most frustrating events in the birdwatching calandar- looking for lesser-spotted woodpeckers. Ynys-hir is a particularly good spot for them, but they annually cause frustration, annoyance and stiff necks to many of our visitors. Firstly one has to find the right place to stand, that's easy at Ynys-hir as we helpfully tell you where to go to give you the best chance of seeing one! Then one needs the right weather, ideally a bright sunny morning in late winter or early spring. After that it is down to luck! If you are fortunate the fluty chatter of woodland birds is broken by a harsh pe-pe-pe-pe call, then creeping along the branches high in the canopy you may see the tiny lesser-spot. Sometimes if you are very fortunately they may come out into the open and even chase each other round. However, often, as what has happen this week, one hears a short snatch of song followed by....nothing!