Hi there
Has anyone seen Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in their local area?
I have had a look at the population in my area of Bedford for interest.
This information is on the website about Putnoe Local Nature Reserve and this is what I found. Title of document shown where information was found Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan "The Red Data Book" Rare and Threatened Species in Bedfordshire and Luton Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan "The Red Data Book" Last Updated 2001 Comments about Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers Dendrocopos minor Lesser Spotted Woodpecker An uncommon resident of woodlands, appearing to show a preference for mature willows and alders along river valleys and around lakes. The annual breeding population was estimated at between 250 and 500 pairs in the early 1990’s but is thought now to be under 50 pairs. Occurring in 1988-92 at 90 (24%) tetrads. The breeding population is declining dramatically. Delichon Interesting read and it shows how tree species have a strong influence on where Lesser Spots live As well as Oaks, there are a lot of Hazels in Putnoe LNR too! Must have another look in the next few weeks and see how the wood area is recovering, and see if the Woodpeckers are out and about once more Regards Kathy and Dave
sorry guys i am getting me birds mixed up .... smack , bang smack .... ok lesson learned....
getting greater ones not lesser ......... very sorry guys for wrong information...........
dont just look enjoy and leave for others to share after you. we dont own the earth we just rent a small part of it....
I spotted a lesser spotted at Marbary CP two years ago. It was on a birch. We stopped in our tracks and just watched for about 15 mins as it excavated a hole in the tree. We thought it was a greater until checking our books later! Haven't seen one since.
I think Greater and Lesser spotted woodpecker both have silly names.
They used to be called Pied and Barred woodpeckers- which is much more accurate to me:)
S
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When I first came on here I was advised that it is Great Spotted Woodpecker. So if it's Great and Lesser it definitely does sound silly.
Best wishes Chris
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Hi Seymour
I think you are right in what you say about the nesmes of Lesser and Greater spot
The Lesser has got distinctive b/w barring colouration over the back at the size of a mini 6 inches long!!!
Greater is less b/w barred and more spotted
The names are misrepresented a whole lot - wonder why the names where changed at all - any ideas?
Regards
Kathy and Dave